What is the IHSDTA scholarship program?
The IHSDTA scholarship program consists of a state award to financially assist education beyond high school. The top 15 applicants for the IHSDTA Scholarship will be chosen/recognized as the Academic All-State team. The top five Academic All-State Team members will be awarded scholarships on behalf of the IHSDTA.
Who is eligible to apply for an IHSDTA scholarship?
Any current high school senior who satisfies all of the following:
- Has been nominated by his or her dance director using the google form linked below
- Is enrolled in a public or private high school in the state of Indiana, and participates on a dance team that is a member of the IHSDTA
- Has attained at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Is planning to continue his or her education or training beyond high school in any accredited training, licensing or certification program, or institution of higher education
How are the IHSDTA Scholarship recipients selected?
A panel of judges made up of director volunteers selects recipients. Judges base their decisions on the information contained in the student’s application.
Total scoring will consist of the following:
- 40% past, current, and future dance experience, including IHSDTA involvement
- 20% academic achievement
- 20% community involvement
- 10% criteria statement
- 10% recommendations
Decisions of the judges are final. The Executive board will determine the amount of the scholarships when an established amount is procured. Recipients will be announced during the State Championship awards ceremony. Information will then be sent to recipients regarding payment of scholarships to colleges/universities.
Scholarship Application Instructions
Dancers must have completed/submitted each of the following by the deadline to be considered:
- Nomination Form: Coaches must complete this nomination form, which includes attaching a letter of recommendation. Dancers are responsible for ensuring that this step has been completed.
- Recommendation Letter Form: In addition to a letter of recommendation from your coach, applicants must also provide one other recommendation letter. Please send the link to this form to the person providing the recommendation. Recommendation letters must be written by an adult, over the age of 21, who is not related to the applicant/guardian. It is highly recommended that the person completing this additional recommendation is someone from your academic/community environment.
- Application Form: Dancers must complete this application form, which includes attaching a criteria statement.
- Criteria Statement: You, as the student, must write a statement addressing each of the following criteria. You must also incorporate in your statement why you deserve this scholarship. Be sure to write this in paragraph form, typed, and no longer than two single sided pages.
- Special Talents
- Leadership
- Community Involvement
- Goals
- Dance Involvement
- GPA Verification: Your GPA must be verified by a school official. Please use this template to have them sign off, and upload a digital copy on your application form.
- Criteria Statement: You, as the student, must write a statement addressing each of the following criteria. You must also incorporate in your statement why you deserve this scholarship. Be sure to write this in paragraph form, typed, and no longer than two single sided pages.
All applications must be submitted via these Google forms. It is the dancer’s responsibility to ensure that all forms are completed/submitted by the deadline, January 1, 2026. All components received after this date will cause disqualification of the nominee. Please contact Bailey Mann at bailey_mann@nobl.k12.in.us with any questions. Directors: You may submit as many nominations as appropriate.
