Parsons Scholars

The Parsons Scholars Program (PSP) offers a space in which youth from New York City public schools explore art and design and its potential for self-discovery, social justice, and educational and career paths. Parsons Scholars receive a three-year pre-college scholarship that covers the cost of studio coursework in the Parsons Academy school year and Summer Intensive Studies programs, six transferable college credits, art supplies, transportation to all programming, meals, field trips, guest speaker visits, college essay writing prep, and general college admissions and financial aid guidance. All PSP programming centers the identities of people of color from low-income backgrounds and builds on the rich legacy of people of color in the arts. Parsons Scholars are an integral part of a community of staff, faculty, youth advocates, and undergraduate mentors who share examples of their exciting creative practices. The Parsons Scholars Program experience positions students to build a strong foundation of art and design for future studies at Parsons and elsewhere, creative careers, critical thinking, social change, and community building. This unique structure is a leading national model for college and career access and racial justice in art and design across communities of educators, artists, designers, and higher-education institutions.