JCAL’s Portfolio Prep Program is a 12-week initiative that helps middle school students in grades 6 and 7 prepare competitive visual arts portfolios for New York City specialized and audition-based arts high schools. Students receive small-group instruction, individualized coaching, weekly feedback, and support organizing and presenting their artwork. This initiative aligns with JCAL’s commitment to increasing accessibility and empowering community engagement in arts education.
Applicants do not need to be advanced artists or already have a finished portfolio. Selection is based on artistic interest, foundational ability, original thinking, commitment, and potential for growth.
Donor-Supported Tuition
JCAL's Portfolio Prep Program is being offered at a significantly reduced tuition rate of $350 for selected students through the support of a generous donor. The full program is valued at $750 per applicant.
Classes meet during the week afterschool/evenings (Day is TBD) for 2.5 hr. sessions. This program runs independently of JCAL’s Spring 2027 Saturday arts classes. For more information, please visit www.jcal.org/classes.
For any questions or additional support, please reach out to Erica Purnell, Education Fellow and Teaching Artist, epurnell@jcal.org.
JCAL’s scholarship program provides need-based financial aid for selected students in Spring 2027 Arts Classes at JCAL. This initiative aligns with JCAL’s commitment to increasing accessibility and empowering community engagement in arts education.
This program is open exclusively to Queens-based applicants.
Need-based financial aid is calculated using household income and dependent size relative to the 2026 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and NY State of Health benefit thresholds. Applications are subject to case-by-case review by an internal committee, which evaluates each candidate's financial background, submitted personal statement, and extenuating circumstances.
JCAL reserves the right to request additional documentation as needed to ensure a fair and transparent decision-making process.
The scholarship covers 100% tuition costs for one (1) class session during the Spring 2027 semester. There is a maximum of two (2) scholarships awarded per family household.
JCAL’s Spring 2027 arts classes begin Saturday, February 20, 2027 and end on Saturday, May 29, 2027. Classes are on Saturdays, with times varying by age group and arts discipline. For more information, visit www.jcal.org/classes.
For any questions, please reach out to Marcello Di Russo, Education Manager, education@jcal.org.