(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Theatre has announced the availability of its annual Arts Impact scholarships available to Monmouth County high school seniors graduating in 2018. The Basie will offer four scholarships: the Moser Taboada Arts Impact Scholarship, the Monmouth Medical Center - RWJBarnabas Health Arts Impact Scholarship, the Steven and Jaime Schultz Arts Impact Scholarship, and the Monmouth County Freeholders’ Basie Scholarship for Continuing Education. The Monmouth County Freeholders’ scholarship will be awarded to a student attending a New Jersey-based college in the fall. 

Each will award a recipient $2,500 towards their freshman year of higher education.

Students may apply for each scholarship by visiting thebasie.org/education, downloading and populating the application form and creating an official entry packet, consisting of an essay, resume and three personal recommendations. The thesis of the essay and spirit of the Basie’s Arts Impact Scholarship program is “The Impact of The Arts in My Life.” 

Deadline for this year’s applications is Friday, March 30 at 4:00pm.

“We witness the power of the arts to change lives on a daily basis: younger students who are becoming more confident, teens who have found a ‘home’ and peers who share their passion,” said Yvonne Lamb-Scudiery, Vice President, Count Basie Theatre Education Department. “Scientific studies are confirming that the arts do have a positive effect on student’s cognitive abilities. We are grateful for our generous supporters who share our commitment to impacting lives through the arts.”  

“The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to sponsor a scholarship to foster the passion for the Arts in our youth, while also supporting students who choose to further their education while staying in New Jersey,” Deputy Director Lillian G. Burry said. “As one of the first recipients of the Count Basie Vanguard Awards and a longtime champion of local arts, I am thrilled to see the love of art both nurtured and rewarded. I firmly believe that art and history are the foundation of our society and it is essential to maintain a strong presence of the arts in our communities.”