Ruth DeYoung Kohler Scholarship for Artistic Excellence

Graduating seniors from Sheboygan County high schools or homeschool students who live in Sheboygan County who plan to pursue a career in the arts are invited to complete an application for the Ruth DeYoung Kohler (RDK) Scholarship for Artistic Excellence. The Kohler Foundation will consider all fields of artistic endeavor. This scholarship awards up to $150,000. Identifying exceptional talent is our primary focus, not grades or test scores.

Unlike other Kohler Foundation scholarships, individuals must apply directly to the Kohler Foundation for the RDK Scholarship, rather than being nominated by their high school. The application deadline for the RDK Scholarship is February 17, 2026

Application Materials

Graduating seniors from Sheboygan County high schools or homeschool students who live in Sheboygan County who plan to pursue a career in the arts are invited to complete an application for the Ruth DeYoung Kohler (RDK) Scholarship for Artistic Excellence. The Kohler Foundation will consider all fields of artistic endeavor. This scholarship awards up to $150,000. Identifying exceptional talent is our primary focus, not grades or test scores.

Specific categories of art have their own submission criteria. In each case, you are asked to submit a portfolio. When video is required, the Kohler Foundation can assist at no cost to the student. Low-quality videos have hampered the committee’s ability to evaluate effectively --- please take advantage of this service to allow your talent to be shown to its fullest extent.

Application Instructions

The full application will be submitted to Kohler Foundation electronically via the Kohler Foundation’s online portal found at kohlerfoundation.org/scholarships. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Be prepared to submit:

• Student information
• Transcripts
• Portfolio materials
• Two letters of recommendation. One from a principal, counselor, or teacher and one from a coach, advisor, employer, community leader, etc.

1. Once the portal has closed, Kohler Foundation’s Scholarship Committee will then review all Sheboygan County applicants.

2. If selected, an in-person interview and discussion of your work will be scheduled. You may feel free to bring recent additions to your portfolio not included in your original application.

3. Kohler Foundation will inform a school representative or homeschool educator, not the applicant directly if an award is to be made. Awards are presented at the high school scholarship ceremonies and are kept a surprise.

Performing Arts

When evaluating performing arts submissions, the committee takes into consideration the following;

Instrument

• Instrumental evaluation is based on consideration of Tone Production, Technique, Rhythm, Intonation, Interpretation, and Phrasing.
• Composition evaluation is based on consideration of Musical Ideas, Musical Structure, and Control of Medium.
• Repertoire choices should be imaginative, contrasting (lyrical, virtuoso, dramatic), adventurous, reflecting the artist’s individual choices as if for a recital.    

Voice/Theater

• Evaluation is based on Tone Production, Technique, Diction, Rhythm, Intonation, Interpretation, and Phrasing.
• A student is judged based on the student’s ability to demonstrate Concentration, Control of Material, Flexibility, and Versatility of Voice, Movement, and Expression.

Dance/Movement

• Evaluation is based on Technique, Presentation, Musicality, Phrasing, and Artistry.

Required Material

• A digital video of the applicant performing must be submitted. Please include a variety of samples to show your range. The length of the submission should not exceed 8 minutes.
• Selections should display a full range of technical skills and interpretive ability.
• The video must be submitted electronically via our online submission process or wetransfer.com. Video recording assistance is available through the Kohler Foundation at no charge to the student. Please contact Angela Ramey at angela.ramey@kohler.com to request assistance.
• The student should submit an additional information sheet with their RDK Scholarship application form, listing the following information for EACH piece being performed on the video:
  • Playwright/Artist/Composer’s full name
  • Title of work(s)
  • Total playing time