Des Plaines arts scholarships available

Applications are now available for the Des Plaines Arts Council Youth Scholarship Program. The council will be awarding scholarships in two categories: students in grades four through eight will be awarded a maximum of $250; and students in grades nine through 12 will be awarded a maximum of $500.

The scholarships are to be used to pursue advanced study in the fine, performing or literary arts. Eligible programs include, but are not limited to, private lessons and summer music, speech, drama and visual art camps.

For high school seniors, scholarships can be applied toward college or specialty school tuition for any artistic major.

Sponsorships to help fund these scholarships are accepted in any amount. Donations can also be given to the Betty Stone Scholarship Fund in memory of the life and work of Arts Council member Betty Stone.

Applications are available at Des Plaines City Hall, the Des Plaines Park District, the Leisure Center, Prairie Lakes and the Des Plaines Public Library. They also are available through the fine arts and career counseling departments of local schools and from private fine arts teachers.

To download an application, visit dpartcouncil.com, dppl.org and DPParks.org. Applications must be postmarked by March 31. Recipients will be notified on or about May 1. Applicants must have a Des Plaines mailing address.