CHAUTAUQUA – Each season, Chautauqua Institution offers opportunities for several families with limited incomes to enjoy a first-time Chautauqua experience. Through the Family Scholarship Program, eligible families can build their own Chautauqua experience through Special Studies class offerings and children’s activities, choosing how they spend their week of residency on the grounds.

“We’re delighted to offer this opportunity to families from communities we serve,” said George Murphy, chief marketing officer for Chautauqua Institution, “and we’re excited to introduce them, especially their kids, to everything Chautauqua offers.”

Funded through Chautauqua Foundation endowments and Chautauqua Fund annual gifts, family scholarships usually range from $800 to $1,200 and cover such costs as Institution gate passes, tuition for classes and children’s activities. Remaining amounts may be used toward food and housing rental. Families may be provided with lower-cost housing in Institution-owned apartments if scheduling permits.

Applications will be accepted through April 25 and should indicate a selection of courses listed in the 2014 Special Studies catalog. Awards require residency on the grounds for one full week. There is no application fee.

Family Scholarship Program awards will be determined by May 5, based on reviews of the programmatic and financial information outlined in the application.

Approximately one month before the opening of the season, each family will submit a final plan of activities selected from the Special Studies catalog.

Families interested in obtaining a Family Scholarship Program application packet should contact Rindy Barmore at 357-6222 or rbarmore@ciweb.org.