The Center for Irish Music, 836 Prior Ave North, Saint Paul, MN 55104 (612) 669-3013

Financial Aid Program and Policies

Updated 3/11/09

As part of The Center for Irish Music’s mission as a non-profit community music school, we make every effort to keep music classes and lessons affordable and easily accessible.  The Center’s Financial Aid Program was created specifically for the purpose of assisting individuals and families with demonstrated economic need.

The information below should help to answer most questions regarding the Center for Irish Music’s financial aid program. However, for additional information, please contact Kate Dowling at the Center directly at 651-493-2022

Eligibility
An individual under the age of 18 years or a family can apply for financial aid. The Center can award up to one financial aid award per student per school year (Sept - June) and one for the Young Irish Musician’s Weekend (June). Applications must be legibly printed in ink or typewritten and must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. Applications received are held for review until the next Financial Aid Committee meeting. A student can begin lessons at the Center while their financial aid application is pending, however, all fees will be charged at the regular class/lesson rate. If a financial aid request is approved after lessons have begun, the discount will be applied as a credit, retroactively, from the date of application.

Privacy
Every effort is made to protect the privacy of the individual/family applying for financial aid. Upon receiving applications, all personal information is removed and the application itself is given a code number as it is reviewed.

Application process
All requests for tuition assistance require 2 pieces of information:

• A completed Request for Financial Aid Application form.

And ONE of the following:

• Proof of eligibility for school lunch programs

OR

• A copy of the first two pages of the applicant family’s most recent Form 1040 tax return.

These two pieces of application information can be sent via U.S. mail to 836 Prior Ave N.  St. Paul, MN 55104 and need to be postmarked by the deadlines listed below. Applications received after the posted deadlines will be held for review at the next financial aid committee meeting. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed until both pieces of information are submitted.

Committee Review Process
The Center for Irish Music’s Board of Directors has designed a Financial Aid Committee that reviews all applications. Applications for renewal of financial aid for current students are evaluated first, then new applications. Awards are made primarily on the basis of need until available funding limits have been reached.  Monies are awarded based on the discretion of the Financial Aid Committee.
Deadlines for applications for tuition assistance are as follows:

• For Past and Current Center Students: May 15 (for the following school year)
• Young Irish Musicians Weekend Students: April 15

Notification of Awards/Denials
Notification of a financial aid award/denial will usually be made through a letter to the individual or family within two weeks after the Financial Aid Committee meets. A letter detailing the percentage of tuition assistance and terms for paying the remaining balance of the amount owed will be outlined.

Amount of Award
Center for Irish Music General Aid, Bernadette Galaba Memorial Fund:
Contingent on available funds, the Center’s Financial Aid Committee can provide between a 20-40% discount off regular tuition, based on a student’s degree of demonstrated financial need. The remaining balance owed by an individual/family must be paid on a monthly basis.  Please note, an annual membership fee is required of all students of the Center for Irish Music and can be waived based on financial need.  Monies are awarded based on the discretion of the Financial Aid Committee

Young Irish Musicians Weekend Aid:
Five (5) full-tuition awards are available for the Young Irish Musicians Weekend.  Full-tuition awards cover classes, ceili and concert.  Note: this does not cover the cost of lodging, transportation or meals during the weekend.

Renewals and Reapplication Requirement
Financial Aid can be renewed as long as the student continues to make diligent efforts in his/her musical studies.  While receiving aid, students are required to attend classes regularly and perform at each CIM recital.  Failure to do so will jeopardize renewal of assistance. Failure to make payments on time on the remaining balance owed will also jeopardize future financial aid consideration.

All Center for Irish Music financial aid recipients will be required to reapply for consideration on an annual basis, by May 15 of each year. This will involve completion of the application for assistance and a review of the student's progress to date. Awards levels are reviewed and adjusted annually, based on changes to family income levels.

Changes in Financial Aid Policies and Procedures
The Center reserves the right to amend any of its financial aid policies and procedures at any time through action by its Board of Directors and the Center’s Financial Aid Committee. Changes will be made public on this site and with a letter to the applicant families.
 
Non-Discriminatory Policy
The Center for Irish Music admits students of any race, color, sexual preference, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual preference, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies and other school-administrated programs.

For additional information, please contact The Center for Irish Music directly at 612-669-3013.