ATTENTION: members

Apply for an East Coast School Scholarship!

Application Deadline: Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 11:59 pm

Please read requirements and fill out the applicaiton below

If you earned a Scholarship to attend ECS the past three years (2024, 2025, 2026), you do not qualify to apply this year for a 2026 scholarship. These Scholarships are only available to PPNC members.

Read through all of the available scholarship options below before filling out the form under the available scholarships.

**PLEASE select a first and second choice when applying by using the letter corresponding with the scholarship that best describes your situation.**

BE SURE TO KEEP TRACK OF WHICH TWO SCHOLARSHIPS QUALIFY BEST FOR YOU TO PUT INTO YOUR ANSWERS WHEN FILLING OUT THE APPLICATION.

(Scholarships are available to ALL PPNC members, they are a member benefit available to every member no matter your circumstances.)

Please be sure you are available for the class dates of Monday, June 7 - Thursday, June 10, 2027 at the Marriot RTP in Durham NC. Your tuition of $649 will be covered with the scholarship but you will have to secure your hotel room on your own. We do provide lunch every day at the event. Scholarships are not transferrable so please do not apply if you do not think you can attend. You are taking away a scholarship from someone else.

You must keep your membership current and in good standing through the event next year if you are awarded a scholarship in order to retain it.

These are the classes offered next year. If you are selected, our Executive Director will reach out to get you registered for your class choice. The scholarship recipients are announced at Carolina Photo Expo's awards dinner on Monday night, September 14th. You do not need to be present to win but it would be wonderful if you were there for the surprise!

Thom Rouse + Chris Richman: Down the Rabbit Hole: A Creative Adventure
Steve Kozak: Mastering Your Camera, Flash and Composition
William Branson III: The Wall Blueprint - How to Create, Market, and Sell Portraits That Clients Love to Buy
George Joell III: Mastering the Art of Wedding Photography
Annie Marie: The Artful Portrait Experience Dream it. Create it. Refine it. Sell it.

Please read requirements and fill out the form below for these available scholarships:

A. Corporal William T. Perkins Jr USMC Memorial Scholarship.

This scholarship is awarded to a member with 3 years or less in the photography industry or a student at an accredited photography school. You do not need to have a photography business to qualify for this scholarship. (Tuition Only at East Coast School)

Perkins studied photography at Pierce College in Los Angeles after graduation from high school. In July 1966 he enlisted in the Marine Corps. Because of his background in photography he was assigned to Marine Corps Logistics Base, Barstow, CA. In the fall of 1966, Perkins requested assignment to the U.S. Army Signal Center and School at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, to receive training in motion picture photography.

In July 1967 he received orders to the 3rd Marine Division at Phu Bai, South Vietnam as a combat photographer. On 12 October 1967 Perkins was involved in firefight south of Quang Tri when a grenade landed in the position where he and three other Marines had taken cover. Perkins wrapped his body around the grenade and was killed instantly. His action, however, saved the lives of the other three Marines.

On June 20, 1969 President Richard Nixon presented the Medal of Honor to Perkins' parents in a ceremony at the White House. Cpl Perkins is the only combat photographer to ever receive the Medal of Honor. His Bell and Howell 16mm camera is preserved in the collection of the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, VA.his is a Paragraph Font

B. John J. Pensiero Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a member who may be eager to learn as a beginner photographer who is just starting their journey into photography ~or~ may be a seasoned photographer who needs to rekindle their love of photography. (Tuition only at East Coast School)

C. Jordan Chan Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a member who may be eager to learn as a beginner photographer and is new to the industry ~or~ is still a student in school for marketing, business or photography. (Tuition only at East Coast School)

D. Southeastern Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a member who has more than 2 years in full-time photography. (Tuition Only at East Coast School)

E. Southeastern Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a member with 2 years or less in photography ~or~ a student at an accredited photography school. You do not need to own a business to qualify for this scholarship. (Tuition Only at East Coast School)

F. PPNC Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a more experienced photographer who will use this additional education to improve his/her skills. This person is one who agrees to come back to the association with enhanced talent and leadership qualities that will benefit the association in the future. (Tuition only at East Coast School)

G. PPNC Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a member with clear passion and dedication to the art and craft of photography, evidenced through sustained involvement in photography-related activities such as workshops, competitions, or personal projects and has volunteered for the organization in various capacities. (Tuition only at East Coast School)

H. PPNC Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a member who has been in the photography industry for at least 5 years. This person is one who agrees to come back to the association with enhanced talent and leadership qualities that will benefit the association in the future. (Tuition only at East Coast School)

I. PPNC Scholarship

This scholarship is is awarded to a member with a compelling personal statement that outlines the applicant's journey in photography, future aspirations, and how the scholarship would contribute to their educational and career goals. (Tuition only at East Coast School)

J. PPNC Scholarship (there are 10 of these available)

We know that every photographer’s journey has seasons, and sometimes, the timing doesn’t quite line up with the opportunities you want to say yes to.

At PPNC, we believe in showing up for each other. That’s why we are offering a limited number of East Coast School scholarships to members who are eager to attend and grow, but could use a little support getting there.

This isn’t about where you are, it’s about where you’re headed. If East Coast School feels like the next right step for you, we encourage you to apply.

Your application will be handled with complete confidentiality, and every submission is considered with care.

In this community, we rise together. Please let us help you get there by applying for this or one of the above scholarships! These 10 scholarships under the J designation are for any PPNC member. There is no qualifications for how long you have been a member, if you own a business or not, if you are brand new or a seasoned photographer. All are welcome to apply for these 10 scholarships available regardless of your situation.