The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver is awarding a $20,000 college scholarship to a graduating high school senior who demonstrates innovation, creativity, fearlessness, and a willingness to risk failure in the pursuit of something new.
Scholarship Details
- Administered by the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA Denver)
- Rewards students who demonstrate creativity, originality, and willingness to take risks
- Open to Colorado high school seniors
- Scholarship funds may be used at any accredited post-secondary institution or trade school toward educational expenses
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant must be a resident of Colorado and currently attend high school in the state
- Must graduate from high school in the spring the scholarship is awarded and plan to attend an accredited post-secondary institution or trade school in fall
- Project must be the applicant’s original and completed work
Application Process
- Create and complete an original project that demonstrates creativity, authenticity, and risk-taking
- Prepare documentation of the project, including a detailed description and supporting materials such as images, video, or written explanation
- Submit the application and project materials by the posted deadline
- Await notification if selected as a finalist for the presentation round
- Finalists rehearse their presentations and attend a pre-event dinner the evening before the showcase
- Present your project to a panel of judges and the public at The Holiday Theater in Denver on April 27th
- Winners will be selected based on originality, innovation, and the ability to communicate how risk and failure shaped their creative process
Finalists will be selected based on their project description and supporting documentation, their demonstration of creative risk-taking, and their presentation. Finalists must be available to present their projects to a panel of judges at The Holiday Theater. The Failure Award Scholarship is supported by the Fries Foundation.
