Elyce Fishman Scholarship Fund
The Wheatland Music Organization, Inc. (WMO) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to serve as a regional resource center, and to preserve and present traditional music dance, arts and crafts. One of the ways that WMO meets this mission is through the Elyce Fishman Scholarship Fund. Elyce was an associate member of the Wheatland Music Organization, Inc. She was a lover of children, fine and traditional arts, and the humanities. She was a strong advocate of individual opportunities, rights and personal growth. Her life took many paths. This scholarship program, supported by an annual allocation, and donations from the general public, celebrates Elyce's life by making it possible for others to enhance their personal growth, experiences, and education related to the traditional arts.
The purpose of the Elyce Fishman Scholarship Fund is to provide funding to enable residents, primarily from the mid Michigan area, to enhance their growth and education in the areas of traditional music, dance, arts and crafts. Applications are accepted by individual children or adults for workshops, lessons, participation in performances, and/or related travel expenses. It is the intention of the Wheatland Music Organization, Inc. to assist those with the greatest financial need and/or the greatest potential for growth but all applications will receive equal consideration.
The Scholarship funds come from Wheatland Music Organization and donations. Donations from individuals, businesses and organizations are welcome. The gift may be earmarked for applicants from a particular county or geographic area, or, to a type of traditional art that represents a particular era, culture, or, ethnicity. Blissfest Organization generously contributed some funds that are earmarked for youth and adults residing in the northern tier counties of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and the eastern Upper Peninsula.
Approximately 25-50 awards are made each year. Applications are considered on a first come first serve basis. The names of the awardees and purpose of award are published in the annual Wheatland Music Organization, Inc. festival program and/or in the organization's newsletter "Quarter Notes." Checks are only forwarded to awardees after the applicant has raised the additional amount necessary, and plans are confirmed.
Not all applicants are awarded. Applicants increase their chances of being awarded by:
- requesting funding for activities that fit the Scholarship Fund's purpose as stated above and clearly stating the skills you expect to gain
- completing the application yourself
- being a first time applicant
- demonstrating the greatest financial need and/or the greatest potential for growth
Applications need not be typed. Two reference letters must accompany the application, with one preferably from someone related to the arts. Reference letters must be completed by persons other than family members. Also, attach copies of brochures or registration forms showing the event you wish to attend.
Awardees are required to provide a written report of their experience using the Fund's evaluation form and forwarding the form signed by your arts instructor within 30 days of the arts experience. Awardees are also expected to publicly acknowledge the scholarship after their arts experience.
Scholarship applications can be obtained from school counselors, by writing or calling the Wheatland Music Organization, Inc. at (989) 967-8879 or from the organization’s webpage www.wheatlandmusic.org.
The Elyce Fishman scholarship form is available in PDF format here.
