Scholarships

SGAA Foundation Scholarships

Information and Application Details for Annual Scholarships

Our scholarship funds support artistry, academia and research across the stained glass industry. The available scholarships include funding for:

academic research
conservation studies
emerging and established artists
promoting accessibility within the field

See below for each of the four scholarship programs and for the details to apply for each. If you have any questions about eligibility or the application process, reach out to us. Please note if you received scholarship funding the previous year, you are not eligible this year due to the competitive application process.

Thank you to our education donors:

Albinas Elskus Scholarship provided by the Maldeb Foundation

The Albinas Elskus Scholarship provided by the Maldeb Foundation is designated for an artist who displays the promise for creativity in the stained glass arts especially but not limited to the area of glass painting. The amount awarded will be the decision of the SGS Scholarship Committee up to $1000.

2024 Applications (opens new window)

Deadline: Saturday, July 20th, 2024

See below for more details to assist you with preparing your application materials. Current affiliate membership in Stained Glass Association of America is encouraged, but not required to receive scholarship funds.

Leslie Hartman Scholarship

“When people face barriers to achieving their full potential, the loss of talent, creativity, energy, and productivity is a burden for not only the disadvantaged, but for communities, businesses, governments, and the economy as a whole.”

— Ani Turner

On top of the difficulties that COVID-19 caused our global community, we were devastated to learn of the tragic, sudden death of one of our Affiliate Members, Leslie L. Hartman of Denton, TX. Led by her dear friends and fellow stained glass colleagues in Denton, the SGAA has established a memorial scholarship fund in Leslie's name and to recognize the importance of accessibility in stained glass work. Leslie faced challenges related to disability accessibility, and through this scholarship, we aim to grant access to stained glass art while promoting inclusivity for all. Her friends family in Denton are grateful to share that the person responsible for Leslie's tragic end has been brought to justice in November 2023.

Donations toward this fund can be made here.

2024 Applications (opens new window)

Deadline: Saturday, July 20th, 2024

Dorothy L. Maddy Academic Scholarship

The Dorothy L. Maddy Academic Scholarship consists of one award up to $1000 to a student enrolled in a full-time academic program. A one-time renewal may be applied for.

2024 Applications are closed

Dorothy L. Maddy Workshop/Seminar Scholarship

The Dorothy L. Maddy Workshop/Seminar Scholarship consists of the award of tuition fees for hands-on, short-term workshops and classes during our annual conference. Applicants will be awarded up to $600. In each scholarship year, tuition fees for classes completed before the application deadline will not be eligible.

2024 Applications (opens new window)

Deadline: Saturday, July 20th, 2024

Prepare for Your Application

Trying to get prepared? Each year we ask applicants for the following:

Why you want to take this course.
How the experience will enhance your future work in stained glass.
Details of your previous stained glass/art experience.
Whether or not you are requesting funds from other sources for this purpose, and,
If you have been awarded a Stained Glass School/SGAA Foundation scholarship in the past.

Other materials we ask for include:

(3) Photos of current artwork (can be glass or other) with a description or artwork details:
Title of work
Completion Date
Measurements
Medium
Resume/CV (1–2 pages), with emphasis on your art and stained glass training, work experience, and membership in professional/local organizations.
Academic applicants only: Submit a transcript of your grades
Two letters of recommendation (optional but highly recommended) Letters of recommendation will not be accepted from anyone who would directly benefit from applicant receiving requested funding, including the instructor of requested course.

Current membership in the Stained Glass Association of America is encouraged, but not required to receive scholarship funds.

Scholarship Rules

Funding: Please note that it is possible you may only be awarded partial funding for your request. Applicants may not receive scholarship funds in two consecutive years.

Scholarship monies may be used to cover tuition or supply costs. Tuition does not include room and board or transportation costs. Scholarship requests can be made to offset conference classes, but not travel or registration fees.

All successful Scholarship applicants are encouraged to submit an informal article and photos of work completed during the educational experience to the Stained Glass School, Inc. immediately upon completion of the course. The article and photos may be published in Stained Glass Quarterly. Or, recipients are encouraged to attend the SGAA Conference following the workshop, seminar, or class and may be asked to make a slideshow or presentation board.

All scholarship monies will be sent directly to the educational institute or studio/instructor. In order to prevent delays, please supply the correct address, email, and telephone number of the institute’s financial aid office.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to make sure all materials are received on time. Applicants are encouraged to send follow up emails if they are not notified by Headquarters that their materials were received. SGAA and SGAA Foundation Board Members are not eligible for scholarship funds.