Poverty Is Not a Choice Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Lincoln Community Foundation
Overview
The PINC Scholarship (named for the documentary Poverty Is Not a Choice) honors the film that won the Mayor’s Choice Award at the Lincoln Mayor’s Arts Awards in June 2016. Produced by nine high school and college students and broadcast on NET TV, the film shares stories about children living in poverty. The donor intends this scholarship for an applicant who has been directly affected by poverty, would otherwise be unable to attend college, and will benefit from focused study in an art or music discipline.
Eligibility
- Must be a senior or graduate of a public or private Lancaster County high school, or a home‑schooled senior. (There is a preference for home‑schooled applicants.)
- Intend to major in an arts field (music or other visual/performing arts).
- Must demonstrate documented, extreme financial need.
- Must show an ongoing record of participation in music or the arts.
- Prior PINC Scholarship recipients may reapply. To be eligible, previous recipients must have maintained a college GPA of 2.5 or higher. First preference will be given to reapplying former recipients who meet the stated criteria and have at least a 2.5 college GPA.
Application requirement (additional)
- Special essay: Describe how receiving this scholarship would influence your ability to attend college and continue studying art or music. Explain how college study in your art or music field will prepare you for life and career beyond graduation.
Award
- Minimum award: $3,000 (one award available). The award may be renewed, but renewal requires a full reapplication.
Deadline
- Application due by 03/15/2026
Supplemental questions
1. How would this scholarship change your ability to attend college and pursue further study in art or music?
2. How will studying art or music in college help you establish a future beyond college?
3. Is your estimated Student Aid Index (SAI) below 10,000?
4. Have you previously received the PINC Scholarship?
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