ART INSTITUTE SCHOLARSHIPS HELP IE STUDENTS FOLLOW THEIR DREAMS

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) It might be the dog days of summer, but it is time for many young people to start thinking about how to pay for college.

Recognizing that many Inland Empire residents are the first in their families to attend college, The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire (www.artinstitutes.edu/inlandempire) has awarded $130,000 in tuition scholarships toward undergraduate degrees. Thirteen area students will receive the awards.
The Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, located in San Bernardino, is a private university which offers degrees in such creative careers as graphic design, interior design, culinary arts, culinary management, interactive media design, media arts & animation and game art & design.

“The Art Institute of Californian – Inland Empire feels that if people have the talent and drive, then paying for their education should not be an obstacle,” says President Byron Chung. “The scholarships will help many Inland Empire students receive an education that can help them pursue careers they love.” Chung says the scholarships range from $5,000 to $15,000.

In Culinary Arts, Lizeth Talavera-Benitez of Phelan received two scholarships, one of $15,000 and another of $3,000 as Best Teen Chef. She says, “These will cover fully half of my tuition for the first year at the university. It meant a lot to me,” she adds, “My parents didn’t have much money to pay for college. I was really excited when I found out I got the scholarship. My parents are very happy, too.”
She says the funding goes a long way toward helping her pursue her dream of owning her own restaurant.

Phillip Bosco, a graduate of Faith Community Christian School in Victorville, said his $10,000 scholarship for first in Media Arts & Animation will be an important aid in paying back student loans. “It really takes a big load off,” he says, adding, “It really takes a big load off. The scholarship works out to be several months, if not a full year, of loan payments.”

He plans to study Media Arts & Animation at the Art Institute. He said his major can open doors to a job as a 3-D forensic artist for crime investigations, a special effects artist or a storyboard artist.

Bosco’s future plan is to work in visual effects in the movie industry, and eventually be directing his own films. “I’ve always had a passion for film and directing,” he says.

Other well-earned scholarships are $15,000 for Logan Feliciano of Pomona, first in Game Art & Design; Jacob Webber of Grand Terrace, $10,000 for second in Game Art & Design; Colton’s John Escobar received a $15,000 funding for placing first in Graphic Design with Matthew Morales of Redlands garnering $10,000 for second.

Victorville’s Amanda Kibler was granted a $15,000 scholarship for first in Interior Design while Allison Williams of Alta Loma received a $10,000 aid for second place; LaTosha Banks of Rialto was awarded a $10,000 scholarship for first in Culinary Arts; Upland’s Ryan Wardlow received a $10,000 honor for first in Game Art & Design while Jonathan Ortiz was presented a $5,000 scholarship for second.

A poster design competition yielded $3,000 in school funds for Daniel Gonzalez of Garden Grove, and a $2,000 award to Moreno Valley’s Therisa Anderson.

For further information about the programs at the Art Institute of California – Inland Empire, call (909) 915-2100 or (800) 353-0812.