OJAC IRON BARS SCHOLARSHIP Program
For the past two decades, the OJAC has awarded a college scholarship to all graduating seniors from its High School Internship program.
Students who have participated in our Teen Council between the ages of 13-16 graduate to our paid, High School Internship program their Junior year. All interns are automatically awarded a $1000 scholarship at graduation.
Grace Leech Fine Arts Scholarship Program
Grace Leech, long time resident of Albany, was an avid supporter of The Old Jail Art Center since its inception, serving as a docent for many years. Grace was an avid painter and one of the founding members of the Albany Art Club.
The Grace Leech Family Art Scholarship was established by educator and philanthropic leader Valleau Wilkie, Jr. in honor of Grace Leech and her family. The scholarship is available to students who plan to attend college to pursue studies in art or art history.
The scholarship is available to graduating seniors attending rural high schools served by the Region 14 Educational Service Center with graduating classes of 150 students or less. Eligibility considerations will include academic achievement, field of study, and need.
The two-year scholarship will be awarded to one (1) recipient each year for a total of $4,000. The award will be split equally between the first and second academic years ($2,000 each year). The annual distribution will be divided into two parts: the first $1,500 for tuition will be paid directly to the institution, and the remaining $500 paid to the recipient who will consult with the committee about its use for books, supplies, transportation or tuition. The committee will be responsible for approving a second year of funding depending on satisfactory performance. Failure to meet the minimum academic standard (2.5 GPA) in the first year places the second year of the scholarship in jeopardy.
A recipient can receive The Grace Leech Family Art Scholarship in addition to other grants and scholarships provided 1) the scholarship is still needed to cover allowed expenses and 2) the recipient does not receive a full athletic or academic scholarship.
Upon notice of being awarded a scholarship, the student is required to execute and comply with a Scholarship Agreement. Failure to comply with any provision of the Scholarship Agreement may result in termination of the award as determined by the committee. Recipient must enroll as a full-time student (minimum of 12 hours) for the duration of the scholarship period. After acceptance/enrollment documentation is provided to the committee, scholarship awards are disbursed directly to the college or university, and the student. It is the recipient's responsibility to ensure that the committee receives proof of enrollment each semester.
To be considered fully complete, scholarship applications must contain the following:
Fill out the digital application below and mail the remainder of the following:
College transcript if student is enrolled in concurrent college courses
At least two letters of recommendation, but not more than three
A short essay (300 words) on why you want to study art and what you hope to accomplish when you graduate.
2024 Scholarship Applications should be submitted online or postmarked no later than May 10 or earlier and mailed to the address listed below.
Recipients will be notified by letter of the award by June 3.
The Grace Leech Family Art Scholarship Committee
C/O OJAC Education Director
201 South Second Street, Albany, TX 76430