Rural Art Scholars

Finding Success on Stage and in Class

For many students, academic and creative pursuits may be overshadowed by financial burdens, but with the Rural Arts Scholarship Program, Eastern Oregon University has introduced a pathway to new possibilities for aspiring musicians. The initiative is designed to provide significant financial support to freshman music majors from rural areas, and it’s already making an impact. 

Funded through a generous $1 million allocation from the State of Oregon and championed by State Representative Greg Smith, ’94, ’07, the Rural Arts Scholarship Program is making a meaningful difference in the lives of four EOU freshmen. 

Each scholarship recipient received $4,000, which was applied to their housing costs while living on campus. This initiative aligns with EOU’s commitment to being one of the most affordable universities in Oregon.  

Laylah Lucas, from Hermiston, is one of the scholarship recipients and has already made an impression at EOU. Double majoring in theater and music, she starred in “Dracula” shortly after enrolling.

Lucas aspires to be a performer, but also has plans for music education.

Ethan Cornia, also from Hermiston, is a trumpeter and a singer. He chose EOU because the University allowed him to earn a degree while staying close to his family. 

“I appreciate the supportive environment at EOU,” Cornia said. “The university and music program encourages us to grow as performers and these scholarships give us the chance to do just that.”

Maria Gomez of Milton-Freewater admitted she was very nervous during her scholarship audition but is now glad to be at on campus. Her new experiences have helped her hone her musical skills. 

McKenzie Jonas hails from rural Cook County and played the piano and sang during her audition. She came to EOU because she connected with the personalized learning and close-knit community.  

Programs like the Rural Arts Scholarship combined with resources from the EOU Foundation scholarships help alleviate financial pressures, serving as an investment in students’ lifelong development and success.