Jackson Scholars Program
The Jackson Scholars Program at Hastings College is a groundbreaking opportunity for aspiring artists to hone their craft, earn a degree and launch their careers. This innovative program, housed within the Jackson Dinsdale Art Center (JDAC), one of the preeminent art centers in the Midwest, provides unparalleled support and mentorship to scholarship recipients.
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. Up to 10 students will be selected for fall 2027.
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 2027
Ten students will be selected for the fall 2027 Jackson Scholars class. To simplify the process for students, we have two ways to be selected for the program:
- Jackson Scholars Program Application (open until November 15, 2026)
- Open Space (already held)
Jackson Scholars Program Application
The Jackson Scholars application requires a portfolio and a few short essay-style questions.
Your portfolio should be a .pdf that includes images of 6-8 distinct artworks. Submit examples of your best work across any medium you have experience with.
Here is a helpful guide for your portfolio.
Important Dates
- Sunday, November 15, 2026 – The deadline to submit your Jackson Scholars Program application.
- Wednesday, November 25 – Finalists will be notified by this date and asked to schedule an online interview.
- Saturday, December 12 – Online interview date.
- Monday, December 21 – Students notified (invited to join the program, alternates+significant art scholarship, significant art scholarship only)
To be considered for the Jackson Scholars Program, you must also apply and be admitted to Hastings College. There is no fee to apply.
The Jackson Scholars application is open.
Open Space
Open Space, a summer art immersion program hosted by Hastings College and the Jackson Dinsdale Art Center, was held over the summer.
Note: Applications for the summer 2027 Open Space will open in early 2027. 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 2027 participants will be considered for the 2028 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.
Juried Student Exhibition
The high school juried art show “Emerging Visions” is not a direct pathway to the Jackson Scholars Program this year.
Instead, it’s a great way for high school seniors and juniors to gain recognition, earn prizes and scholarships, and gain experience of participating in a juried student exhibition to be held at Hastings College from November 19 to December 19, 2026.
Click here for details and the application form. The deadline for entries is October 15. Students will be notified via email by October 23, 2026.
About the Jackson Dinsdale Art Center (JDAC)
The JDAC, which opened in 2016, is a state-of-the-art facility that houses the Hastings College Department of Visual Arts. It features spacious studios including glassblowing, ceramics, sculpture, painting/drawing and printmaking, modern classrooms and two gallery spaces. The JDAC is a vital hub for artistic expression and creativity, providing students with unparalleled resources and opportunities.
Questions?
Contact Rachael Broadwell, director of the Jackson Scholars program, at rachael.broadwell@hastings.edu.