YCP Scholarships Awarded
YCP believes in equity in art education and awards scholarships to students that demonstrate a desire to learn, leadership qualities, and a dedication to the art of dance and choreography. Students of all levels and styles of dance experience are encouraged to apply.
Students who are awarded scholarships to the program must attend all scheduled classes and performances. Students who miss any sessions will not be eligible for additional scholarships in the future.
Need/Hardship Scholarships
The purpose of these scholarships is to assist students who are unable to meet any or part of the tuition because of income or causing hardship that would prohibit participation in the program. Please review and ensure you meet the requirements before applying.
Amount Available: Full or partial scholarships are awarded based on need to a limited number of participants.
Requirements: To qualify for a Need/Hardship Scholarship, your family income must qualify as low-income as defined by the Department of Housing and Human Services for the calendar year 2021 (The first column in the attached graph: https://www.laalmanac.com/social/so24.php ). Or demonstrate that the tuition would cause hardship and prohibit participation in Dance Choreography Intensive.
Merit Scholarships
The purpose of these scholarships is to award students who exhibit an outstanding desire for growth and leadership with a partial or full scholarship to Dance Choreography Intensive for Teens (DCI). Students should demonstrate their dedication to the art of dance and choreography in the past, current, and/or future.
Founder’s Scholarship
Inspired by YCP founder Lila Turner, the Founder’s Scholarship is awarded to a student that demonstrates the potential of great leadership, embodies supportive and encouraging qualities, and appreciates the importance of arts in education.
Young Choreographers Project was founded in 2015 by Lila Turner, who is a technology professional and former dancer living in Los Angeles. Ms. Turner was interested in reconnecting to her passion for dance while also providing opportunities for young people in her community. As a young girl, dance always provided a safe space for her to create and express herself. She created Young Choreographers Project with that in mind — to give young people a safe space to experience creative self-expression through dance and choreography.
Arthur Turner Leadership Scholarship
Recipients of the Arthur Turner Leadership Scholarship demonstrate leadership capabilities, positive teamwork, and the ability to bring out the best in their teammates.
After graduating from high school, Arthur (Art) Turner joined the Army to see the world. In 1988, he retired as a Sergeant Major after spending 29 years and ten months on active duty in places such as Vietnam, Somalia, Germany, and Libya.
Art demonstrated exemplary mentoring and leadership skills throughout his military career. He earned two associate management degrees while on active duty, a bachelor’s degree in occupational education, and a master’s in Human Resource Management after retiring from active duty.
Art’s transition to teaching at Pierce College Military Program at Joint Base Lewis and McChord (JBLM) in Tacoma, Washington, was a natural transition for him because he spent so much of his military career training and mentoring people.
Art retired from Pierce College in September 2012 after an illustrious 22-year career. In December 2000, Turner was honored by his peers and students as Teacher of the Year for Military Programs at JBLM.
Art Turner was a natural and caring mentor and leader. He saw potential in everyone within his circumference and believed in them until they believed in themselves.
Art Turner not only loved people, but he also loved the arts. And on many occasions, he delighted everyone with his smooth dance moves and the song in his heart.
Howard & Margaret Ortega Scholarship
The Howard & Margaret Ortega Scholarship is awarded to a person who demonstrates ingenuity, grit, compassion, is innovative, and a problem solver; qualities that were attributed to both Howard and Margaret Ortega.
They met while in high school, married, and raised two sons and seven daughters. Throughout their lives, they led by example of ingenuity and dedication. Both came from humble beginnings and, through hard work, raised their large family with love and laughter and lots of spaghetti.
Howard served in the Navy during the Korean war and eventually worked for the Department of Water and Power for the city of Los Angeles.
Margaret was the owner of a childcare facility and was able to raise many generations of children throughout her tenure.
Dennis M. Ortega Scholarship
Dennis M. Ortega Scholarship is awarded to a person who demonstrates ingenuity, grit, compassion, is innovative, and is a problem solver; qualities that were attributed to Dennis.
The eldest son of nine siblings and the first grandchild in his extended family, Dennis was a born leader.
He led with kindness, quiet strength, confidence, and humility. Dennis taught himself many skills such as playing the bass guitar, sound engineering, lighting, electrical engineering, photography, and videography — to name a few. A man of few words; but he knew how to have a good time and make everyone feel welcome at his infamous annual Summer Splash.
He was loved and respected by all.
