Educational Scholarships
Masterclass with Magnum photographer Yael Martinez
Houston Center for Photography’s mission is to increase society’s understanding and appreciation of photography and its evolving role in contemporary culture. HCP Education offers over 150 courses, workshops, and masterclasses on an annual basis.
Thanks to the generosity of both our donors and Platinum/Gold Sponsorship Members, HCP established a new scholarship program supporting the professional development of photographers in Houston and its metro area.
HCP Scholarship applications are not related to specific course offerings. Applications are for eligibility into our pool of possible scholarship recipients. Each accepted applicant will remain eligible until they are offered a scholarship or one full year elapses from the date of their acceptance, whichever happens first. HCP will match eligible applicants with course opportunities that align with their interests and practice as they become available.
Support Our Students
Eligibility
Scholarship applications are open year round to adults (over the age of 18) of any skill level living within a radius of 100 miles from Houston’s city center. HCP membership is not required for scholarship application. Applications are especially encouraged from those who are underrepresented in the photography industry, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, BIPOC, those from religious minority backgrounds, and those from underserved socio-economic populations. Our scholarships are designed to support all members of the community and do not require any sort of educational prerequisite or minimum qualification for consideration (students in photography programs are, however, welcome to apply).
Schedule
Scholarship applications are received on a rolling basis throughout the year. New applications are evaluated as they come in and applicants will be notified at the end of the subsequent month if their application has been accepted. Accepted applicants remain candidates to receive a scholarship for a period of one year. Scholarship recipients may apply for another scholarship only one year after their original application.
Evaluation Process
Application evaluation is a holistic process that takes into account each applicant's financial need, the potential impact receiving a scholarship will make for the applicant, and the merit of their portfolio and statements. New scholarships will be offered on a rolling basis as they are made available. Candidates will be offered specific scholarships taking based on their interests, photographic work, and personal background.
Accepting Scholarships
Each approved applicant is eligible to receive only one scholarship per year. Recipients accept offered scholarships by returning a signed copy of their scholarship notification and registering for the relevant class. Scholarships that are not accepted as described will be offered to other candidates instead. Candidates who cannot accept an offered scholarship may be considered for other scholarships while their application remains eligible.
Recipients’ Responsibilities
Scholarship recipients are expected to attend classes and complete all assignments. Students are responsible for making it to in-person classes. Recipients who fail to attend 70% of classes will not be eligible to apply for additional scholarships. HCP submits an IRS form 1099 to recipients of prizes and awards as required by the Internal Revenue Service. Please consult with a tax professional for information regarding your tax obligation.
Evaluation Committee
Applications are evaluated by multiple staff members at HCP. The evaluating team changes every month to provide equitable opportunities to all applicants.