TUITION ASSISTANCE

Providing opportunity

Founded on a commitment to excellence and inclusion, Berkeley Ballet’s mission is to provide professional-level ballet training to dancers of all ages, races, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The organization aims to challenge and redefine the traditional, narrow aesthetic of ballet by fostering a more diverse and equitable dance community.

BBT’s Tuition Assistance program is designed to provide ongoing support to families in need of assistance for their student to continue studying ballet, or to provide elevated, single-time assistance to families whose financial circumstances have unexpectedly shifted.

Each year BBT provides $50,000 in Tuition Assistance support to dancers and families in need.

Make a tax-deductible donation to the Berkeley Ballet Annual Fund today and help support this initiative and the next generation of artists!

Tuition Assistance applies to classes and fees associated with the Season (school year and summer training). Awards are provided as funding permits.

Tuition Assistance Application Process

Applications are considered in three application phases.

  • Round 1 Deadline: August 1 {Priority for families enrolling for 8/11 Pre-ballet & 8/18 Youth Division Start Date}

  • Round 2 Deadline: October 1 {For families enrolling after the Season begins}  

  • Round 3 Deadline: February 1 {For families enrolling in Spring Semester}

How does BBT determine who receives Tuition Assistance?

BBT uses the most recent Federal Poverty Level guidelines to determine aid eligibility and award amount. These guidelines account for a family’s household income and household size and are adjusted for the increased cost of living in the Bay Area.

For families requesting one-time elevated Tuition Assistance, their changed financial situation as well as their income level as determined by Federal Poverty Level guidelines will be taken into account.

The maximum threshold for receiving Tuition Assistance at BBT is 600% above the FPL, and our resources will be prioritized for families with an annual income below $100,000 - these families are strongly encouraged to apply. However, families above $100,000, especially with larger household sizes, may still apply for assistance. 

Award Levels:

The percentage of awarded tuition assistance is applied to all tuition and fees during the Season.

All Pre-Ballet Levels:

25% minimum support

50% maximum support

Youth Division: Introduction to Level 1–3

25% minimum support

50% maximum support

Youth Division: Level 4–9

25% minimum support

75% maximum support

Performance Fees

BBT believes that performance is a critical part of dance training and that participation in performances provide dancers with a unique opportunity to find inspiration in the theater as well as forging lasting friendships with classmates. Dancers in Level Introduction to Level 1 through Level 6 who are participating in the Tuition Assistance program are eligible to participate in The Nutcracker and the Spring Showcase free of charge. Tuition Assistance award percentages are applied to Level 7 - 9 Studio Company and Apprentice fees.

Award Determination Guidelines

The following are guidelines used by BBT to determine the level of Tuition Assistance a family will receive. Awards are conditional upon funding availability, and families with annual income below $100,000 will be prioritized.

  • Any family falling at any level below the 350% level of the FPL will receive the maximum tuition assistance for their level.

  • Any family falling between the 350% level of the FPL and the 375% will receive the second highest level of support available to their level. 

  • Any family falling between the 375% level of the FPL and the 400% level of the FPL will receive the highest support available to their level.

  • Any family above the 600% of the FPL will not receive tuition assistance. 

Applying families must enroll for the Season and make one minimum payment toward their dancer’s tuition to receive assistance.

What are the components of the Tuition Assistance Application?

  • A copy of the family’s most recent 1040 tax return and additional financial questions

  • An (optional) letter from the family regarding the family’s financial circumstances  

  • A short response written by the student addressing the following questions:

    • What do you love about studying ballet?

    • What's something you'd like to work on this year in your dance training?

    • How has dance improved your life?

    • What is one of your favorite memories from dancing at BBT?

What if I need to make changes to my application?

Please contact BBT Executive Director Ali Griffin at alitl@berkeleyballet.org if you need to make changes to your application.

How can I check the status of my application?

Applicants will receive award amount responses within 14 days of submitting a complete application and making an initial payment on their dancers’ tuition balance. 

Additional questions: Please contact BBT Executive Director Ali Griffin at alitl@berkeleyballet.org with any questions.

 

BBT Youth Division dancer