December 10, 2020

YoungArts is the nation’s leading arts competition for young artists ages 15–18 years old (or in grades 10–12). YoungArts award winners receive financial awards, opportunities to work with renowned mentors and leading artists and will become eligible for exclusive creative and professional development support throughout their careers. Applications are judged by esteemed discipline-specific panels of artists through a rigorous blind adjudication process.

Students apply to the competition. YoungArts awards are given in three categories: finalist, honorable mention and merit. YoungArts award winners have the chance to learn from notable artists and mentors. Award winners also become eligible for additional exclusive creative and professional development support throughout their careers. Finalists who are high school seniors are further eligible for nomination to the White House Commission on U.S. Presidential Scholars. 

 Congratulations to the following 2021 winners:

• Samantha Chacko, Plano West Senior High, Classical Voice/Mezzo Soprano, voice – merit
• Jacqueline Liu, Plano West Senior High, Viola, Classical Music – merit
• Connor MacLeod, Plano West Senior High, Saxophone/Alto, Jazz – honorable mention
• Jessica Zhang, Plano West Senior High, Piano, Classical Music - honorable mention

The National YoungArts Foundation (YoungArts) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 1981 by Ted and Lin Arison to identify and support young artists. With a mission to identify the most accomplished young artists in the visual, literary and performing arts, and provide them with creative and professional development opportunities throughout their careers. YoungArts aspires to empower artists to pursue a life in the arts.