The Joan Myers Brown Equity Scholarship Fund is based on the belief that when given an opportunity to learn and do what they love, every student with motivation can succeed. Therefore every student deserves at least one chance to try. But we are fully aware that not every student has the financial means or support to participate in training and educational dance programs that will give them access to the information they need in pursuit of their goals. To level the playing field of opportunity and identify talent, Francisco Gella Dance Works offers financial support through full and partial tuition scholarships to eligible applicants of all backgrounds for its intensives and workshops. The Joan Myers Brown Equity Scholarship Fund is our organization's effort to decrease the likelihood that inherent bias will keep any talented and hard-working student from accessing resources to achieve what is possible for themselves. The scholarship program is an inclusive and open process. Scholarship decisions are based on a combined evaluation of financial need as well as the demonstrated potential for success as a future professional dance. All applicants must be an intermediate or advanced dancer. This means that a dancer has had at least two years of consistent technical training and takes a minimum of three hours of ballet per week. For the Equity Scholarship Fund, dancers may apply from any ethnic or racial background. Applicants must submit a video of them showing their technique in class or a solo performance. A video showing work at the ballet barre or across the floor is preferred. Applicants must also submit a letter of support from a current teacher or director. The individual that provides the recommendation must be able to provide detail on the student's current ability level, aptitude for learning, performance in class, potential for success, and individual motivation to succeed. The early deadline for Summer Programs, which is the first round of review and priority in awarding scholarships, is February 15. The late deadline for Summer Programs, which is the second round of review and awarded from any remaining scholarship funds, is April 15. The early deadline for Fall Programs, which is the first round of review and priority in awarding scholarships, is September 10. The late deadline for Fall Programs, which is the second round of review and awarded from any remaining scholarship funds, is October 15. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.