Catherine W. Pierce Scholarship
Offered by UNCF
About This Scholarship
The Catherine W. Pierce Scholarship is a UNCF-administered award for undergraduates majoring in the visual arts. Established from Catherine Pierce's interest in supporting deserving students in the arts, it provides up to $3,400 for the 2026-27 school year to students studying art, art history, or art studies — performing arts majors are specifically excluded.
Unlike many UNCF programs that are limited to member HBCUs, this scholarship is open to full-time students at any accredited four-year institution in the U.S. The academic bar is moderate: applicants need at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
The application is compact by scholarship standards. Along with the online form, students submit a transcript and a one-page essay describing what inspired their choice of major and where they want their art career to go. Applications for the current cycle opened August 3, 2026 and close September 10, 2026.
Eligibility
- Enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. four-year institution for the 2026-27 academic year
- Majoring in art, art history, or art studies (similar majors not accepted; performing arts excluded)
- Minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- U.S. citizen
How To Apply
- Complete the online application on UNCF's scholarship portal between August 3 and September 10, 2026
- Submit a one-page essay on what inspired your choice of major and your career goals, plus an official or unofficial transcript
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to attend an HBCU to apply?
No. The Catherine W. Pierce Scholarship is open to full-time students at any accredited four-year college or university in the U.S., not just UNCF member institutions.
My major is theater — am I eligible?
No. The scholarship supports art, art history, and art studies majors only, and the provider states that performing arts majors are excluded.