How do you select scholarship recipients?

When we have openings, our online application will be active for a period of time. While we wish that we could fund every single student who applies, we our resources are limited to a certain number each semester. We will select scholarship recipients from our applicant pool based on answers to the essay questions, recommendation letters, and an in-person interview.

Do I have to audition for PIF?

No. Scholarships are awarded based on essay questions, recommendation letters, and in-person interviews. If you are an experienced player already, however, we would love to hear you play as part of your interview.

How can I start a chapter in my city?

We are piloting the program in Atlanta in 2016-2017, and will begin setting up a few test satellite chapters in 2017-2018. We will continue to add new chapters after that as quickly as our resources allow. In the meantime, sit tight... or even better, help us get our Atlanta pilot program as strong as possible by spreading the word and helping raise funds through our Generosity campaign. The better/stronger/faster we get established in Atlanta, the sooner we can help you get started in your city!

I can afford to pay for lessons, but I want my child to learn the values instilled by PIF. What should I do?

Fantastic! What would ordinarily be your monthly tuition payment can become your tax deductible donation to PIF. Your child will earn his or her own lessons through volunteer work, and your donation will ensure that another deserving student will receive lessons.

Are faith-based programs eligible to be partner volunteer organizations?

Yes, faith-based nonprofits are eligible to partner with us provided they meet the following criteria. The organization must: 1) be a 501(c)3 nonprofit; 2) adhere to the PIF non-discrimination clause; 3) serve the wider community outside the congregation 4) provide service work that is not evangelical in nature (objective must not be conversion or recruitment - good examples include soup kitchens, clothing ministries, refugee settlement work, etc.); 5) require no religious contingencies for receipt of services; 5) not hold worship services within 50 feet or 1 hour of the program. 

Can the PIF scholarship be used for anything besides lessons?

Currently, the PIF scholarship is for lessons only. Eventually, we plan to fund related activities for our students, such as summer festivals, college application fees, and audition expenses.

Are lessons offered all year?

PIF provides lessons for two semesters following the academic year: September - December, and January - May. We do not currently operate a summer semester.