Tuition Assistance Timeline 2023-2024
Summer Workshops
April 1, 2024: FAST Portal open for Summer tuition assistance
May 30, 2024: Deadline for Summer workshop tuition assistance applications
Full Time Program
May 6, 2024: FAST Portal open for full-time tuition assistance
May 24, 2024: Deadline for full-time tuition assistance applications
Exceptional Minds Tuition Assistance Information
Dear Students and Families,
For those interested, Exceptional Minds has a tuition assistance program for our students.
We have a specified amount of funding for Tuition Assistance every year – and awards
are based on financial need. Please see the below information for everything you need to
know about our TA program and how to apply.
Exceptional Minds uses a third-party tuition assistance company to ensure accuracy,
confidentiality and objectivity. This company’s name is ism/FAST and the application is
available online
here: https://www.ismfast.com/FastPage.php?id=aa67aa7f1bd8bec82e06f83d8447097a
Guide for families, family members, supporters, conservators may call the 24/7 Parent Help Line at 1-877-326-FAST (3278). We encourage you to contact them directly with questions on filling out the forms and uploading the documents.
*If funding is exhausted in the Primary FT application windows, EM reserves the right to
not open the subsequent application windows in any given Academic year.
Full-Time/PACE and Pre-FT Program:
We do not grant full awards – all awards will be a percentage of the total program fees.
Information Needed for Your Application:
1. 2023 Tax Returns (or 2022 returns if 2023 is not yet filed)
2. W-2s or 1099s for 2023 (if using 2022 returns)
3. Complete family income: including social security, disability benefits, both parents' income
even if separated or divorced, extended family support, trusts and/or investment income, awards from the Regional Center, etc.
The family income requirement is waived if you meet ALL of these criteria:
1. Over the age of 18 and,
2. Entirely self-supporting financially, including living independently and,
3. Not claimed on the family's taxes as a dependent and,
4. Receives no financial support from the family or any other source including free
or subsidized housing (unless government subsidy) and,
5. Files their own taxes and can document means of income (including Disability Benefits) and their personal expenses.
4. A personal statement/letter including the following questions:
1. What is your favorite type of art?
2. When did you start being interested in art - computer or otherwise?
3. What area of digital arts interests you most? Why?
4. Have you had any previous training?
5. How would receiving tuition assistance impact you?
6. What do you hope to achieve in your classes at Exceptional Minds?
7. What type of career are you thinking about?
Tips for a successful application:
- Please be clear and complete in all of your responses. Give as much
information as possible in the letter attached to the application. Numbers alone
often do not tell the whole story of you or your family's financial
circumstances. Please explain your financial position thoroughly.
- Exceptional Minds has instructed FAST to take into consideration family costs
related to expenses for the family member on the spectrum, including medical
and non-medical treatment expenses, medications, etc. Please elaborate on
these if applicable.
- The student's letter plays a significant role in the Board Tuition Committee's decision-making process. You are more than just a number—take this opportunity to inform the committee about yourself and your circumstances. There are no right or wrong answers; we aim to understand you better. This information is solely for financial aid purposes, is confidential, and will not impact your application to the Academy.
What else you need to know:
- There is a non-refundable $53 fee to FAST for the application process. It is
payable by credit card on the FAST site.
- Each program has its own set of timelines for the application and award
process.
- After submitting your completed application – you will likely be contacted by
a representative of EM for follow-up information.
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