Usdan's robust scholarship programs connect to our founding vision: a place where all students learn, grow, and create surrounded by nature and an enduring creative community. 

This month, as we celebrate our scholarship programs, I am thrilled to introduce the 2026 Uniquely U Scholarship cohort. 

To carry this work forward, our third annual Spring Scholarship Drive launches in May. Gifts of all sizes help open the door for young artists to thrive at Usdan. If you are able, I invite you to start planning your gift. We will be in touch within the week to share more information about the Drive.

Thank you, as always, for being a part of the Usdan community! 

Lauren Brandt Schloss 
Executive Director

HELP US CELEBRATE THE CLASS OF 2026!

Do you know a Usdan community member graduating from high school or college this May or June? We would love to celebrate them in our upcoming newsletter.

Email media@usdan.org with: the graduate’s name, where they are graduating from, and (if applicable) the school they will be attending next year. Feel free to include any additional details, photos, or accomplishments you would like us to highlight.

Submissions will help us recognize and honor the achievements of our Usdan community. Thank you for your help, and we look forward to sharing. 

WHAT'S COMING UP AT USDAN

• EXTENDED! Music Merit applications are open on a rolling basis through Thu, May 21. Virtual or recorded auditions available. Classical Composition submissions encouraged.
• Poet in U Reading & Celebration | Sun, May 17, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  • Join us on campus to celebrate the 2026 Poet in U Laureates with a reading and open mic! RSVP required.
• Discovery Playdate for Children Grades K–1 | Sun, May 31, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Children in grades K–1 and their families are invited to join us for a morning of creative fun. Save your spot — RSVP today!
• FINAL Tuition Assistance Deadline | Apply by: Mon, May 18; Receive letter by: Mon, May 27.
• Tour Dates for Prospective Families:
  • Sun, May 3 at 11:00 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:30 p.m.
  • Sun, May 17 at 11:00 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:30 p.m.
  • Sun, May 31 at 11:00 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:30 p.m.
  • Tours fill up quickly! Registration required.

Text 631-646-1677 with any enrollment questions or to schedule a one-on-one phone call. You may also reach us Mon – Fri, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at enrollment@usdan.org or by calling 631-643-7900.

Did you know about these tuition discounts? 

If you believe Summer Arts Camp at Usdan is a valuable place for children to experience the transformative power of the arts, we hope you will take a few minutes today to think of a child in your life who would thrive at camp and share our program with them.

Friend Referral Discount: For every new family who enrolls and was referred by your family, you will receive a $150 tuition discount.

Alumni Referral Discount: Any new student referred by a Usdan alum—a former Usdan student who has completed a summer at Usdan and has graduated grade 12—will receive a 10% tuition discount. This includes children of alumni, extended family members, and friends.

Sibling Discount: Two children: $500 off the second 8-week child enrolled; $250 off the second 4-week child enrolled. Three or more children: $1,200 off each additional 8-week child enrolled; $600 off each additional 4-week child enrolled.

Scholarships and discounts cannot be combined to total 25% or more of the original tuition and are not available for our 1-week Recreational Camp Program. Learn more.

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

"Writing Depth Thru Brevity" Workshop

On Mon, Apr 20, Usdan's Director of Education Javan Howard along with Education Coordinator Michele Brisco visited the Glen Cove school district for a poetry workshop.

Usdan hosts 2026 Regional Enviro-thon

The Nassau and Suffolk Soil and Water Conservation held their annual Envirothon, celebrating Earth Day at Usdan on Wed, Apr 22. The competition invited over 250 high school students (and Ronny the Raindrop) to explore non-point source pollution on Usdan's campus.

Usdan is hiring for summer 

Help bring the magic of Usdan to life by joining an inclusive work environment. View the limited number of open seasonal positions, including: Nature: Lead Seed to Snack: Edible Gardening Teacher, Recreation: Assistant, and Theater: Lead Costumer.

Job opportunity for high school students

Usdan's Leadership Program is designed to cultivate thoughtful, independent young adults who are becoming the next generation of leaders in the arts. Open to 15–18 year olds for 4- and 8-week sessions. Apply today.

MEET THE 2026 UNIQUELY U COHORT

After reviewing hundreds of applications received from across Long Island and around New York City, Usdan chose five young artists to receive full eight-week Uniquely U scholarships in 2026. Meet the recipients and see what makes them unique!

Celestee Castillo – 9th Grade | Art, Dance, Theater

"I’m so incredibly grateful for this amazing opportunity, and I’m looking forward to an unforgettable summer with Usdan!" Celestee shared upon receiving the scholarship.

Check out Celestee's winning video. 

"I remember becoming my nerdy self at Usdan. That was the first time outside of school where I was around people who were choosing to practice music," Zulnie reflected, describing how when she would return to school after summer, she'd be "on fire" about playing her instrument while everyone else hadn't touched theirs for three months. "I caught the bug at Usdan."

Quinn Calvet – Kindergarten | Art, Nature

"I like doing good things for the environment," Quinn shared in his video as he identified a rare beetle.

Later when discussing his vegan lifestyle, he said, "I'm a plant-based guy" while he cooked a panful of mushrooms. 

Clara Rowe – School Recipient | 4th Grade | Creative Writing

"I'm super excited to write write write this summer at Usdan!" Clara shared as she looks forward to her first summer on campus. 

Check out winning Clara's video and learn about her writing practice.

Clara is the recipient of our Uniquely U School Award from Sea Cliff Elementary School. Every year, the local school with the most Uniquely U submissions gets one full 8-week scholarship to give to the student of their choice. Thank you, Sea Cliff Elementary! 

Max Stolove – 10th Grade | Art

"I’m beyond excited about winning the Uniquely U Scholarship. Usdan has always felt like a second home to me, and I can't wait to go back this summer and do everything from creating muppets to fine tuning my photography skills."

Check out Max's inspiring story. 

"It’s such a wonderful gift for Max to be acknowledged for his creativity. There are few places that truly celebrate kids uniqueness, and Max’s eclectic interests are definitely unique!" Joanna Stolove, Max's parent, added.

Rylee Tinn – 5th Grade | Art, Nature

As a self-taught artist, Rylee has poured her heart into her work, and this opportunity feels both validating and inspiring. She is especially excited to receive continuous professional guidance to help nurture her passion, explore new styles and techniques, and bring even more depth and expression to her original art,” Jennie Zheng, Rylee's parent, shared.   

Check out Rylee's inspirational perspective.

Meet the full 2026 Cohort at UU.Usdan.org.

Usdanites Out & About

(L–R) Executive Director Lauren Brandt Schloss, Usdan Board Member Maura Charles, Senior Coordinator of Family & Alumni Engagement Kyra Leeds, and Director of Development Jessica Liss Feuer at the Long Island Imagine Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, April 28, where Usdan was proud to be recognized as a Fnalist.  

(L–R) Assistant to the Executive Director Sara Sheperd, Usdan student Samantha Schwartz (currently starring as Little Cee Cee), and Senior Coordinator of Family & Alumni Engagement Kyra Leeds attending a performance of Beaches on Broadway, celebrating Samantha’s exciting debut and the continued success of the Usdan community on stage. 

(L–R) Development Coordinator Emily Gilligan, Digital Content Producer Mira Petrillo, Director of Education and Arts in Education Roundtable Board Member Javan Howard, and Education Coordinator Michele Brisco at the Face2Face Conference hosted by the Arts in Education Roundtable.

(L-R) UJA team member and alum Bari Ziegel with Director of Development Jessica Liss Feuer and Executive Director Lauren Brandt Schloss at UJA’s Witness project Exhibition and Performance

Do you have any Usdan news we should know about? Write to us at media@usdan.org or tag us on Instagram @usdanarts, and we may feature it in our next newsletter or on our social channels!