New Scholarship Funding for Summer of Art Students

Otis College’s summer program for young creatives receives support from The SAMI Foundation.

Additional scholarship funding is now available to prospective Summer of Art students thanks to generous support from The SAMI Foundation. The Foundation honors the memory of Sami Liber, a prolific young artist who passed away in 2024, by offering supplies and support to teens wishing to further their pursuits in art and design. Applicants can learn more and apply here. Summer of Art scholarships are awarded based on financial need, student portfolio, personal statement, and academic achievement. The scholarship application deadline is April 21, 2026.

Summer of Art at Otis College is an immersive pre-college experience designed for high school students and young creatives ages 14.5 to 19.

We asked Rodney Liber, father to Sami and CEO of The SAMI Foundation, about this new scholarship funding and how the Foundation continues to celebrate the legacy of Sami Liber.

What are your hopes for this new scholarship for Otis College’s Summer of Art students?

We are committed to supporting teenagers who feel drawn to art and music, whether they see creative pursuits as just a fun hobby or a possible career path. Our hope is the Otis College and SAMI partnership will open doors for students who might not otherwise have access to a program like Summer of Art. 

Being part of a vibrant creative community can be transformative. It can build confidence, spark ambition, and help young people begin to see a future shaped by their own imagination.

What do you want young artists to understand about the importance of life-long creative practices?

Creative expression is not only important to culture and society, it is also deeply personal. Making art can provide comfort, encourage reflection, and offer a welcome distraction during difficult times. We want kids to understand that creativity is something they can carry with them throughout their lives. Expressing your imagination through art can be joyful and rewarding.

What are the many ways you are continuing and growing Sami Liber’s legacy through your efforts at the Foundation?

Our work is guided by two central priorities. First, we focus on creating direct and meaningful support for underserved teens. We want our efforts to be tangible and immediate. Second, we believe in listening closely to the needs of the schools, hospitals, and community organizations we partner with. That allows us to tailor our support in ways that truly make a difference. 

For example, when working with UCLA Health, we developed compact art supply kits designed specifically for hospital rooms where space is limited. By adapting our programs in thoughtful ways, we can extend Sami’s spirit of creativity, kindness, and opportunity to more young people every year.

Apply for the Summer of Art scholarship.

Learn more about the SAMI Foundation.

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