Scholarship

Aspiring Artists Scholarship in Honor of Isabella Burdick

2007-2023

In loving memory of our beautiful Isabella, who left us far too soon, this scholarship will help carry forward the passion and dreams she so fiercely pursued. By encouraging others to follow their artistic paths, we hope to both celebrate Isabella’s spirit and inspire future generations of creators.

Heartfelt Statement from Tina Retana, Executive Director & Founder

I started Youth Branching Out in early 2024 after the unexpected passing of my 16-year-old niece at the end of 2023. Her death shook our family and community deeply—and it also exposed how many teens are navigating life without the practical tools, emotional support, and confidence they need to thrive in adulthood. As an HR executive and mentor, I’ve spent years helping adults succeed in the workplace, but losing her made me realize we must start much earlier.

This nonprofit was born from grief, but also from love and purpose—to provide young people with life skills, financial literacy, emotional wellness, and real-world confidence. In her memory, Youth Branching Out empowers teens to transition into independent living with strength and clarity, so no young person feels unprepared or alone. Her legacy lives on in every lesson we teach, every workshop we host, and every teen we help rise.

Our Family Committed to the Next Generation

Purpose

Raising Up Youth Impacted by Mental Illness

Aspiring Artists Scholarship in Honor of Isabella Burdick

The Aspiring Artists Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Isabella Burdick by supporting young artists whose lives have been touched by mental illness—whether through their own journey or that of a family member or loved one. This scholarship seeks to foster artistic growth, raise mental health awareness, and empower youth to share their voices and stories through creative expression.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following:

Age Requirement

Must be between 14 and 22 years old at the time of application.

Residency

Must be a legal resident of California or Louisiana or currently enrolled in a school, college, or art program within the eligible area.

Artistic Focus

Must demonstrate a passion for the arts in any medium, including but not limited to:

Visual Arts (painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, digital art)
Performing Arts (theater, dance, music, spoken word)
Literary Arts (poetry, short stories, creative nonfiction)
Multimedia Arts (film, animation, mixed media)

Connection to Mental Illness

Applicant must have been personally affected by mental illness or have a close family member or loved one who has experienced mental illness.

Applicants may choose how to share this connection in their application (see Personal Statement requirement).

Education Status

Must be currently enrolled in high school, college, or an accredited art program, or planning to enroll within the next academic year.

Application Requirements

Completed Application Form

Available online or by request from Youth Branching Out

Personal Statement (500–750 words)

Describe your artistic journey and your passion for the arts.

Share how mental illness—either personally or through a loved one—has impacted your life and shaped your art.

Explain how receiving this scholarship will help you achieve your artistic and educational goals.

Art Portfolio or Work Samples

Submit 3–5 samples of your recent work (completed within the past two years).

For performing arts, submit video/audio recordings.
For literary arts, submit written pieces (maximum 10 pages).
For visual arts, submit high-quality images or scans.

Letter of Recommendation

From a teacher, mentor, art instructor, or community leader familiar with your artistic work and character.

Proof of Enrollment or Acceptance

For current students: copy of current class schedule or student ID.

For incoming students: acceptance letter from school or program.

Consent Form (if under 18)

Parent/guardian signature permitting participation and acknowledgment of scholarship terms.

Award Details

Number of Awards: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Use of Funds: May be applied toward tuition, art supplies, workshop fees, art-related travel, or other approved educational expenses.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

Artistic merit and originality.
Clarity, depth, and authenticity of personal statement.
Demonstrated connection between art and mental health awareness or personal experience.
Commitment to pursuing artistic growth.

Important Dates

Application Opens: January 1
Application Deadline: March 1
Winners Announced: April 1

Submission Insructions

Submit all required materials via Support@TheBranchingOut.org by 11:59 PM (local time) on the deadline date. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Contact Information

For questions or assistance, contact:
Youth Branching Out
504-419-4741
Support@TheBranchingOut.org
www.TheBranchingOut.org