Jackson Scholars Program

The Jackson Scholars Program cultivates artistic talent, fosters community engagement and prepares students for successful careers. It emphasizes the importance of artistic excellence and professional development, providing participants with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

Program Highlights

Scholarship: The Jackson Scholars Program scholarship is an all expenses paid opportunity, as the scholarship covers 100 percent of tuition, general fees, room and meals for four years, and also provides professional enrichment opportunities. Four talented high school seniors were selected as part of the inaugural fall 2025 class, while 8 students will be selected for fall 2026.

Studio Apprenticeship: Students enjoy a four-year residency at the JDAC, choosing a studio and becoming apprentices to experienced faculty.

Community Engagement: Jackson Scholars actively engage the community through collaborative art programs or demonstrations, fostering creativity and cultural exchange.

Development: The program provides valuable professional development opportunities, including:

• Serving as college and admissions ambassadors, gaining experience in public relations.
• Enrichment Fund support that may be applied to internships, practicums and experiences, such as conferences, exhibitions and study away opportunities, tailored to each student’s interests.
• Connecting with Hastings College alumni and art professionals to gain insights into the business side of the art world.

Artist-in-Residence Program: The program also funds a rotating guest artist-in-residence, further enriching JDAC’s creative environment.

Selection Process for Fall 2026

Eight students will be selected for the fall 2026 Jackson Scholars class. There are several ways to be considered for this opportunity!

Open Space

Current high school juniors are encouraged to apply to Open Space, a summer art immersion program hosted by Hastings College and the Jackson Dinsdale Art Center. Students selected to participate in Open Space will gain experience in five studios and interact with distinguished Hastings College art faculty, alumni and guest artists.

Open Space summer 2026 participants will be considered for the 2027 Jackson Scholars class. Students who participate in Open Space but do not receive a Jackson Scholars Program offer will instead receive a talent scholarship to attend Hastings College. Details for the 2026 Open Space will be shared when available.  

Juried Student Exhibition

High school seniors and juniors are also eligible to apply to participate in “Emerging Visions,” a juried student exhibition to be held at Hastings College from November 14–December 13, 2025.

Click here for details and the application form. The deadline for entries is October 15.

Chosen work will be displayed in the prestigious Jackson Dinsdale Art Center (JDAC) Gallery on campus. High school seniors who would like to be considered for the Jackson Scholar program can indicate so on the application, and will have an interview opportunity during the show’s reception in December.

Independent Process

Students who are unable to participate in Open Space or the student exhibition will be able to follow an independent application process. (Details to come.)

Announcement of the 2026 Class

Jackson Scholar recipients will be publicly announced on March 1, 2026.