National Convention Scholarships
The NAEA Art Educator Scholarship Fund supports art educators seeking further professional learning opportunities through the many programs and events offered by NAEA. The scholarships below support innovators in visual arts, design, and media arts education, providing access to professional learning, leadership experience, and connectivity to the field through the NAEA National Convention.
Available Scholarships
We recommend registering before the NAEA27 early bird registration deadline to lock in the lowest registration rates. If you’re selected to receive a scholarship, your registration fee will be refunded to you; this refund is still subject to our registration cancellation policy.
Application Deadline: Friday, October 30 at 11:59pm ET
Scholarship Notifications Sent: Early December 2026
Please Note: Individual applicants may only be awarded one NAEA scholarship per year. Past scholarship awardees are not eligible for scholarship within a 2-year award review cycle.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) Scholarships
The NAEA ED&I Commission proudly offers scholarships that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion within visual arts, design, and media arts education. These awards aim to reduce barriers and increase access for individuals from historically underserved and underrepresented communities.
This opportunity supports ED&I-focused educators and Preservice students, with a priority focus on first-time attendees of the NAEA National Convention.
What the Scholarship Includes:
- Complimentary registration to the NAEA National Convention
- Up to three (3) nights of hotel accommodations in an NAEA designated hotel*
- A 1-year NAEA national membership (not to be combined with state association membership)
Eligibility:
- Must spend at least 51% of professional work in visual arts/design education
- Priority focus on preservice students and first-time attendees of the NAEA National Convention
Applicants will complete a short survey and submit an “About Me” essay addressing their experience and goals related to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the field.
First Time Attendee Scholarships
This scholarship is designed to support visual arts educators attending their first NAEA National Convention. Whether you’re early in your career, new to NAEA, or a seasoned educator looking to experience the Convention for the first time, this opportunity provides the support you need to fully engage in the professional learning, networking, and inspiration NAEA has to offer.
What the Scholarship Includes:
- Complimentary registration to the NAEA National Convention
- Up to three (3) nights of hotel accommodations in an NAEA-designated hotel*
- Travel stipend of up to $300 for transportation, meals, and incidentals*
Eligibility:
- Must be a current NAEA member through the Convention date
- Must spend at least 51% of professional work as a visual arts educator
- Must be a first-time in-person attendee (those who have only attended virtually in the past are not eligible)
Art Educator Scholarships
The Art Educator Scholarship is designed to support ongoing professional development for NAEA members. Whether you’re returning to the National Convention or attending for the first time, this scholarship helps you stay engaged in your learning journey—offering opportunities for inspiration, fresh strategies, and deeper connections within the field.
What the Scholarship Includes:
- Complimentary registration to the NAEA National Convention
Eligibility:
- Must be a current NAEA member through the Convention date
- Must spend at least 51% of professional work as a visual arts educator