The Kennedy Center Gala scholarship program gives DC high school students the opportunity to perform in the categories of vocal, dance, or instrumental to earn scholarship money. Applications for the program are accepted from June to October 1 and students are selected based on an audition process.

Once selected students have auditioned, judges select the top 40 students to move on to the Semi-Finalist Round.  As a semi-finalist, all students will have recorded presentations placed online for public voting. After all performances have been rated, ten finalists are determined by combined vote (50/50) of the voting public through the official gala website and a panel of judges.  The top two rated performances in each category (vocal, instrumental and dance) will automatically be selected as finalists.  The remaining four slots are determined by the next highest rated performances, regardless of category.  

The winners will be determined by a combined vote (50/50) of the audience and celebrity judges on the night of Tuesday, March 26, 2013, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.  Each student contestant will win a scholarship, with first place taking home a $10,000 award to be used towards college tuition and expenses. 

For more information about the contest, purchase tickets, or learn about sponsorship opportunities, please visit the Gala site.