The Young Artist Diploma Program is a tuition-free, six-year intensive performing arts program that provides students with rigorous training, mentorship, and opportunities to grow as artists and leaders.
For the 2026–27 school year, we are prioritizing the recruitment of incoming 7th graders
6 YEARS
Tuition-free intensive arts education for students ages 12–18
43 WEEKS
of instruction and artistic development each year
$10,000+
Annual value of tuition-free training and program support
40+ CLASSES
Across cross-cultural music, dance, theater, filmmaking, and digital arts
90%
Of students report stronger cultural identity and well-being
Students participate throughout the academic year and summer, with planned breaks for rest, education, and family life.
1. Complete the Application
All applicants must submit the Diploma Program Application Form.
2. Get Nominated
Applicants must also receive an online nomination from a school teacher, school administrator, artist, or community mentor.
3. Participate in an Interview
Applicants who complete both steps will be invited to a personal interview with East Bay Center staff on a first-come, first-served basis until available interview slots are filled.
Your Interview: A Conversation, Not an Audition
The interview is a formal conversation with East Bay Center staff, not an audition. You’ll be asked to share a few minutes of live performance in music, dance, or theater. This helps us determine class placement and whether the Diploma Program is a good fit at this time.
The six-year program is designed to grow with students as artists, leaders, and young adults — from foundational cross-disciplinary training to advanced study, college preparation, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.
All Diploma students complete their first two summers of Summer Intensive, a five-week program focused on multidisciplinary study and cross-training in music, dance, theater, filmmaking, and digital arts, as well as a minimum of four hours of study per week during the academic year. Students who meet the first-year benchmark will also qualify for private lessons.
In consultation with staff and faculty, students are placed in more advanced courses based on their chosen discipline and level of commitment. By their fourth year, students become members of one of our six Resident Companies. Participation in Summer Intensive continues, with up to four hours of study per week required during the academic year.
Students who have successfully completed four full years of program requirements are guided toward advanced training, college application preparation, peer mentorship, and leadership opportunities. Students who continue in the program participate in Summer Intensive and a resident company during the academic year.
Please contact
Philip Agyapong, Program Coordinator
En español
Lolis García, Associate Director, Student Development & Training
339 11th Street, Richmond, CA 94801
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