Academic All-American Awards
We are so excited to bring our Academic All-American Award and Scholarships back for another year to celebrate our amazing dancers and their accomplishments throughout their academic careers.
Please fill out the form appropriately and to the best of your ability. Each question requires a response or it will not let you continue to the next page on the form. Please also read through the Google Document that lists out what each student specifically needs in order to be considered for an All-American Academic award or scholarship. You can find the document here: Academic All American Awards Checklist 2025
Applications close at midnight on Sunday, June 8th, 2025
For the first time ever in 2025, we are opening the Academic All-American Award to all US-based An Chomhdhail and Open Platform dancers! We look forward to recognizing these student athletes at the 2025 North American Championships. At this time, the Scholarships are only open to USA IDA branch dancers. We thank you for understanding.
The USA Irish Dance Alliance (USA IDA) offers the Academic All-American Awards to honor dancers who excel both academically and in their dance pursuits. The Awards are available to students in grades 5 through college seniors. To qualify, dancers must maintain an academic average of 90 or higher (or a 3.5 GPA for college students) or provide proof of meeting academic goals.
Dancers may qualify for the award through one of two distinct pathways:
Academic Achievement: A GPA of 90 or higher, along with participation in the required number of feiseanna.
Individualized Education Plan (IEP/504 Plan): Evidence of meeting all academic goals as outlined in a 504 Plan or IEP, supported by a letter from a counselor, case manager, or principal, in addition to participation in the required number of
Dancers must have also competed in a minimum number of USA IDA branch feiseanna to be considered competitive:
minimum 2 for grades level and college dancers
minimum 3 for pre-open and open
Dancers who meet the criteria through either pathway noted above are eligible to receive the Academic All-American Award for that year. Dancers from the USA IDA Branch may also apply for an age category scholarship, which requires submission of an essay and a letter of recommendation.
To ensure privacy and fairness, only the dancer, their family, and one branch teacher reviewing the submissions will know which pathway was used to demonstrate academic achievement.
In addition to award certificates, the USA IDA offers five scholarships across various educational levels. Applicants for these scholarships must meet the eligibility criteria, submit an essay, and provide a letter of recommendation. Essays are reviewed by a panel of academics and educators based on factors such as addressing the prompt, originality, clarity, flow, spelling, and grammar.
Along with an essay, applicants must also submit a Letter of Recommendation
Someone who has made an impact on their life or can speak to their character in the most positive way
Should not be their parent or guardian, grandparent, or any related immediate family member
Can be a teacher, coach, or family friend
Middle School Student Scholarship 2024-25 School Year
Available to students currently in grades 5-7
Essay question: How do you get inspired when you’re facing a challenge at school or in life? Do you have a certain strategy or person you turn to for motivation?
Essays must be at least 350-500 words (about 1 page in length)
8th Grade Student Scholarship 2024-25 School Year
Available to students currently in 8th Grade
Essay question: What is a goal or dream you are working toward? What inspires you to pursue this goal, and how do you stay motivated to achieve it?
Essays must be 400-600 words
High School Student Scholarship 2024-25 School Year
Available to students currently in grades 9-11
Essay question: Describe a meaningful way in which you have actively contributed to the growth and improvement of your dance school through your efforts and involvement.
Essays must be 500-700 words
High School Senior Scholarship 2024-25 School Year
Available to students currently High School Seniors
Essay question: Why do you think Irish dancing is such an important part of Irish culture? What do you think it represents for the people of Ireland?
Essays must be 500-700 words
College Student Scholarship 2024-25 School Year
Available to students currently studying at a college or university level
Essay question: Discuss the impact of technology and media (such as YouTube, streaming platforms, or social media) on the visibility and accessibility of Irish dance. How has this digital era influenced the way Irish dance is practiced, perceived, and appreciated globally?
Essays must be 800-1000 words
How are the scholarships decided?
The essays are evaluated by our expert panel of academics and educators. It is a combination of assessing how well the question was addressed, original thought, clarity of thought, essay flow, spelling, and grammar.
How many scholarships are there?
In 2025 we are proud to award scholarships in five categories:
5th, 6th, and 7th Grade; Graduating 8th Grader; 9th, 10th, and 11th Grade; Graduating High School Senior; and Competitive Dancers in College
PETER PHILLIPS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FOR A GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
In memory of Peter Phillips (1948-2025), father of Elise Wright, TCRG, whose extraordinary life embodied the values this scholarship aims to honor.
Peter was a man who treasured human connection above all else, often saying that “friends are the family you choose.” His dedication to friendship was unparalleled—sending thoughtful birthday cards (often with his signature humor), writing letters across continents long before email existed, and nurturing friendships that spanned over six decades.
A proud Qantas employee for 40 years, Peter was an intrepid traveler who visited every continent, and used traveling as a way to learn and grow by understanding the world around him. Peter lived by his motto that “life is not a dress rehearsal.” His zest for life, commitment to family and friends, and professional dedication make him the perfect namesake for a scholarship that encourages students to embrace life’s opportunities with the same passion and purpose that defined Peter’s remarkable 76 years.
MORE THAN EXCEPTIONAL SCHOLARSHIP
Seana Isaac is a former champion dancer from the O’Grady Quinlan Academy of Irish dance. She competed all the way through her senior year of high school. Seana was a very dedicated and hardworking young woman not only in the studio but also at school. She attended Thomas Jefferson University to become a Physician Assistant. Unfortunately, as she was about to enter her final year at Thomas Jefferson, she was diagnosed with a rare pediatric brain cancer, Diffuse Midline Glioma of the pons. As tragic as this news was to her and her family, she gets up and fights for her life every day, looking for ways to be positive even in the face of something so scary. She continues to volunteer time at the studio each week, sharing her passion for dance with others. She is also passionate about educating the world about her diagnosis.