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

Information you will need for your application:

1. 2021 (or if you have not yet filed, your 2020) Tax Returns
2. Any W-2s or 1099s for 2021 (if you are using your 2020 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.

1. The family income requirement above is waived if ALL the below apply:

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 letter is a significant part of the Board Tuition Committee's decision-making process. You're more than a number--tell the committee about yourself and your situation. There are no right or wrong answers--we just want to get to know you. This information is used only for financial aid, is confidential and will not in any way affect your application to the Academy.

What else you need to know:

• Each program has its own set of timelines for the application and award process, please see the handout below for more information on the program you are applying for.
• After submitting your completed application – you will likely be contacted by a representative of EM for some follow-up information.
• There is a non-refundable $45 fee to FAST for the application process. It is payable by credit card on the FAST site.
• Please see the attached 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.

Full-Time Program:

We do not grant full awards – all awards will be a percentage of the total program fees.

Primary Dates/Deadlines for New & Returning FT Students:

New students seeking tuition assistance for the Full-Time Program should receive an admission acceptance letter before applying for tuition assistance through FAST.

• April 14, 2022: FAST Portal open for applications
• May 13, 2022: Application Deadline - APPLICATIONS CLOSED
• June 03, 2022: Award Decisions Finalized (notifications likely to occur the following week)
• June 10, 2022: Tuition Deposit DUE

Secondary Dates/Deadlines for New FT Students ONLY:

A second round of applications for tuition assistance is available for those students who received late admission.

• July 05, 2022: FAST Portal open for applications
• July 29, 2022: Application Deadline
• August 19, 2022: Award Decisions Finalized (notifications likely to occur the following week)
• September 02, 2022: First Trimester Payment DUE

Part-Time Programs: 

We do not offer Tuition Assistance for Private or Semi-Private Lessons.

Small Group Sessions (Winter/Spring 2022):

Students may apply for tuition assistance prior to enrollment.         

• November 01, 2021: FAST Portal open for applications
• December 01, 2021: Application Deadline
• December 17, 2021: Award Decisions Finalized (notifications likely to occur the following week)

Summer Program 2022:

Students seeking tuition assistance should apply after they have enrolled.

• April 14, 2022: FAST Portal open for applications
• May 13, 2022: Application Deadline
• June 03, 2022: Award Decisions Finalized (notifications likely to occur the following week)

Small Group Sessions (Fall 2022):

Students may apply for tuition assistance prior to enrollment.

• July 05, 2022: FAST Portal open for applications
• July 29, 2022: Application Deadline
• August 19, 2022: Award Decisions Finalized (notifications likely to occur the following week)
• All Payments DUE prior to the first day of each session

LAUNCH:

Students seeking Tuition Assistance for LAUNCH may apply in either BUT NOT BOTH of the application windows.

Spring Application Window:

• April 14, 2022: FAST Portal open for applications
• May 13, 2022: Application Deadline
• June 03, 2022: Award Decisions Finalized (notifications likely to occur the following week)

Summer Application Window:

• July 05, 2022: FAST Portal open for applications
• July 29, 2022: Application Deadline
• August 19, 2022: Award Decisions Finalized (notifications likely to occur the following week)