Ashley Cartledge Inclusive Dance Education Scholarship
NCDEO is currently seeking applications for the Ashley Cartledge Inclusive Dance Education Scholarship!
The North Carolina Dance Educators Organization (NCDEO) proudly introduces the Inclusive Dance Education Scholarship in honor of a beloved educator, Ashley Cartledge, who exemplified leadership, inclusivity, and a passion for diversity in dance education. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing a degree in dance education who demonstrate a commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and diverse environment in the field of dance.
One applicant will be the recipient of the scholarship and will receive $1,000 to help cover academic expenses and will be honored during the NCDEO Conference in 2027.
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Application Opens: September 21st, 2026
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Application Deadline: December 31st, 2026
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Review Period Begins: January 1, 2027
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Recipient Notification: January 31, 2027
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Award Presentation: February 20, 2027 (during NCDEO’s Annual Conference)
Eligibility Requirements
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Open to:
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High school seniors planning to major in dance education or Undergraduate students currently majoring in dance education at a 2- or 4-year institution.
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Must be a resident of North Carolina or enrolled or planning to enroll in North Carolina institution.
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A minimum 2.0 GPA in academic and/or dance coursework.
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Demonstrated leadership, inclusivity, and dedication to diversity in dance.
Application Form
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Personal Information (Name, Address, Email, Phone)
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Current School and Grade Level / Year in College
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Dance Teacher or Mentor Name (Reference)
Official Transcript
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High school transcript or current college transcript (unofficial accepted).
Letter of Recommendation
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From a teacher, mentor, or dance educator familiar with the applicant's work.
Essay 1 (500-700 words)
Describe how dance education has shaped your life and how you plan to contribute to the field as a future dance educator. What challenges in dance education inspire you to make a difference, and how do you envision creating change through your work?
Essay 2 (500-700 words)
Ashley believed in the power of service, leadership, and uplifting others through dance. Reflect on an experience in which you made a positive impact on your school, studio, or community. How did this experience shape your understanding of leadership, and how do you plan to continue serving others through dance?
Optional:
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Portfolio showcasing dance projects, lesson plans, or community service initiatives (via video links or documents).
Congratulations to the 2026 recipient,
Connie Pearce!
Connie Pearce is a North Carolina–based dancer, choreographer, and dance educator who is endlessly curious about how movement can change people. She loves teaching because it lets her watch students discover their strength, their confidence, and their love for dance.
"Being selected as a scholarship recipient by the North Carolina Dance Education Organization is an exciting and meaningful milestone for Connie. It represents not only support for her growth as an educator, but also her belief that dance education can be joyful, rigorous, and deeply impactful. She is incredibly grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to continue learning, teaching, and building creative, encouraging spaces for dancers across North Carolina."
