GENERAL
iN Education’s mission statement
Our mission as a youth development organization is to guide youth through programs and services that address social-emotional learning, career exploration, life coaching, and mentoring. We teach youth the transferable skills necessary for success in the workforce; we provide the essential guidance and resources to achieve higher education levels. We emphasize the importance of continuing education and highlight the connection between education and individual creativity. We achieve this by offering career-awareness/training programs and art-focused activities and events, along with our original e-publications on educational topics.
As an Ohio-based 501 c (3), we rely on generous donations and funding support from the community and local foundations. These funds are not guaranteed and vary from year to year. We thank all our accountability partners, board members, advisory board members, committee members, staff and volunteers, parents, and everyone who supports our mission in their capacity. Without you, this program will not happen.
Diversity and inclusion statement
We made it our top mission to offer equal opportunities for education, employment, and positive art and culture expression to all the diverse communities we passionately serve, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, cultural background, religious beliefs, marital status, age, disability or military status. iN Education’s model is “Your journey, your impact, our future.” We strive to enrich and empower everyone we serve with our educational and art programming and services designed to reflect the true beauty of education and self-actualization.
Competitive Program Environment Statement
Participation in our upcoming Battle of the Teal program and showcase is a choice you make. We want to ensure that you walk away with an enjoyable experience. It indeed is a big decision for any emerging visual and/or performing artist. By participating in the showcase, you are empowered to select beneficial items that fit your specific needs and goals as you complete your online application. Simply select all that apply or choose “All of the above” on the Google form.
- My art submission is to be presented just for fun.
- My art submission is to be published in the Battle of the Teal Yearbook.
- I’d like to receive feedback from the adjudication panel.
- I will accept any prize, award, or experience.
- If I am selected to be “Best in Show,” I will accept a scholarship award.
- I want one entry into the exclusive Battle of the Teal raffle prize.
- All the above.
There are a few things to consider preparing for this life-changing experience, and our production team is with you every step of the way.
Our goal is to prepare all participating artists in the Battle of the Teal program for the showcase’s review process. We strive to provide a healthy, educational, and enriching experience to those we serve. If you have selected to receive feedback from the adjudication panel, you will receive the feedback once the scoring is complete. All feedback is meant to be a helpful and positive learning experience and help artists work on their strengths and weaknesses and improve their craft. All feedback is intended to be unbiased. Feedback are opinions of the elected adjudication panel members based on their expertise and predetermined criteria.
The showcase processes are meant to be fun, educational, supportive, and helpful to all participating artists.
The Battle of the Teal staff and volunteers, including but not limited to Executive Team, Advisory Board, Adjudication Panel, Art Network (collectively called the “Battle of the Teal Team”), will do their best to:
- Create a welcoming and educational environment for all applicants
- Prepare all applicants to receive constructive feedback during the process
- Inform all applicants about the processes, rules, and expectations of the showcase
- Guide applicants through coaching and mentoring activities connected with the program
Declaration of originality
By entering into the Battle of the Teal art showcase, I affirm that all of the submitted work/portfolio item(s) is /are the original creation(s) of the artist (me, further “Applicant”). iN Education is not responsible for any intellectual property infringement by the applicant. The applicant will be solely responsible for their acts. Suppose, at any stage of our discovery process, it is found that the applicant has any mala fide intentions or is causing any violation. In that case, they will be disqualified with a subsequent intimation to the candidate.
ART SHOWCASE
Art Forms
PERFORMING ARTS EXAMPLES
- DANCE: Movement, Performance, Choreography, Folkloric
- MUSIC: Vocal Performance, Songwriting, Instrumental Performance, Composition, Choral Performance
- OTHER/MIXED: Storytelling, Mime, Oral History, Spoken Word
- THEATER: Acting, Directing
Any performing art form(s) deemed as an artistic, age appropriate and tasteful form of expression by the applicant.
VISUAL ARTS EXAMPLES
- PAINTING: Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor
- DRAWING: Pencil, Charcoal, Pen & Ink, Conte, Oil Pastel
- PRINTMAKING: Silk Screen, Etching, Collography, Engraving
- SCULPTURE: Clay, Found Objects, Wire, Assemblage, Ceramics
- DIGITAL MEDIA: Photography, Graphic Design, Computer Arts, Animation, Filmmaking, Videography
Any visual art form(s) deemed as an artistic, age appropriate and tasteful form of expression by the applicant.
Showcase Divisions
There are three showcase divisions for both Visual and Performing art categories. Showcase divisions follow:
- Elementary division (K-K4),
- Middle division (K5-K8), and
- High division (K9-K12).
Your Privacy
Your privacy is important to us. Information submitted is voluntary. Any personal details submitted by you for program features and activities will not be sold to a third party. iN Education will use this information to connect with you for the purpose of awards/prizes delivery and other relevant digital or oral communication. We are mindful and aware of the social-emotional wellness of all applicants by allowing video, audio, or written introductions.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, connect with us before submitting any information and let us know how we can be more accommodating. Email: battleoftheteal@ineducationonline.org
Application
General details
Applicant’s name, communication details, artist’s statement about the showcase piece, showcase division, art form.
Award Acceptance
Since each participating student has different reasons for participating, we wish to empower them to select their reasons. Options range from simply having fun to receiving a scholarship. The ability to choose from the options could mean the world to a student who may put added stress on showcasing to another level. As an organization, we are mindful of students, their feelings, and their social-emotional and mental health and wellness.
Minimum portfolio requirements
At least one completed showcase piece, either visual (high-resolution image) or performance art (video or audio).
If you are a performing artist, the final piece can be submitted as a video or sound file for the relevant art forms. Any artwork or performance produced within the last twelve months is allowed.
Ownership and license (video law)
Ownership of any submission shall remain the property of the applicant. However, entry into this program constitutes the applicant’s irrevocable permission and consent that the iN Education and affiliates may display, copy, reproduce, enhance, print, sublicense, publish, distribute and create derivative works for iN Education’s purposes, including posting images to social media profiles and web pages. The iN Education is not responsible for lost or damaged entries. Submission of entry into the Battle of the Teal art showcase(s) constitutes acceptance of all rules and conditions.
Constructive Feedback
The feedback of the adjudication panel members or other reviewers is / may be subjective; this is not a reflection of your lack of abilities or creativity but merely an opinion. Opinions may vary from person to person. We encourage you to continue expressing yourself through the chosen art form(s) and continue being creative. The Battle of the Teal team is here to support you. We encourage you to reach out to us and tell us about your experience.
Scoring
Scorecard rubrics (1-4 scale)
Annual Showcase – Adjudication Panel
Art industry professionals from across Northeast Ohio and beyond are nominated to join the adjudication panel each season. To be selected, they must actively practice their art form and accept the responsibility of providing valuable feedback to showcase applicants without bias.
Visual Arts: 1. Technical use of material/craftsmanship, 2. Meaning/ Context, 3. Creativity/ Originality, 4. Composition/Design
Performing Arts: 1. Preparation and preparedness, 2. Expression, characterization, and technique, 3. Appearance, presentation, and comfort level in front of the camera, 4. Creativity, originality, and energy.
Other Showcases (1-4 scale)
Requested or newly-created showcases implemented anytime during the year
iN Education will accept requests from authorized representatives from School Districts or community organizations to host its own stand-alone Battle of the Teal showcase.
Showcase judges – invited community participants/ guests – will be scoring one or all showcase applicants on a scale from 1 to 4, with four being the best.
Reporting
Our advisory board members play a role in auditing and validating the results.
Showcase Awards
Award Categories
There are four categories of awards offered to division winners. Continuing education scholarships, cash awards, prizes (tangible goods), iN Education hosted experiences or services, and Community donated experiences, goods, and services. We reserve the right to add other over the top special prize(s) that will sweeten the pot for participants who are looking for excitement. Announcements will be made through social media.
Showcase winners
“Best in Show”
Annual showcase
This prestigious award is offered only during the annual showcase each year. The top score average received from all divisions and across all visual and performing art categories will be awarded the “Best in Show” title. The “Best in Show” can claim their scholarship award upon successful high school graduation and proof of enrollment into higher education institutions. In the event a student within any division is nominated as “Best in Show” and not graduating within that particular year, their scholarship award will be held at Edward Jones. This third party maintains iN Education’s scholarship account. They will receive a scholarship based on total donations raised towards iN Education’s scholarship fund. The minimum amount of the scholarship award is $250. If a group of artists is awarded “Best in Show,” the scholarship will be split between group members. The “Best in Show” will also enjoy the winnings for 1st place in their division and category: see Division and Category Winner section below.
See below sections entitled “Criteria for Academic Scholarships” for complete details.
Founders’ Pick
Annual showcase
This special award is offered only during the annual showcase each year. The Founder of iN Education, DeAndre Nixon, will choose one artist or a group from all submitted applicants. There are no restrictions on division or category, nor is there any restriction on the score given by the Adjudication Panel. They will receive a cash award (minimum of $100) at the sole discretion of the Founder.
Division & category winners
Annual & Other showcases
The winner is the highest scoring applicant in their respective division and art category.
1st Place – all divisions (individuals and groups)
- Choose $100 cash to go towards anything. Or choose $100 to go towards your next art project.
- Request cash only and use it towards anything. No questions asked.
- Request $100 towards your next art project. Agree to send us proof of the purchase, i.e., canvas, art supplies, microphone, or other. Agree to send us a photo or video of your final project, i.e., a picture of your canvas art, music video you recorded, or other.
- An example of a small project could be an idea that can be completed within 10 hours and doesn’t require a big budget. A large project could be a featured showcase, a video presentation, or a design project featured on iN Education swag shop; such a project will require planning and can take up to three months.
- Select a donation item from the pool of prizes donated towards this program. Selection is based on the availability of donated items received in the given year. Donations will be distributed on a first-response first-serve basis.
- Get featured on our Zealousness blog (optional) – see examples Battle of the Teal_FS – iN Education Inc. (ineducationonline.org)
- Choose one item from the most current selection of iN Education’s shop of branded items, i.e., T-shirt, button, tote bag, or other.
- Receive one complimentary life coaching “Advancing Yourself” session – including personality, passion, and values assessment. Schedule your session within one calendar year.
- Be displayed on the respective page on the program’s website www.battleoftheteal.org.
- Be acknowledged within the margins of Battle of the Teal’s Yearbook for the current season.
School Art Teacher Award
Annual showcases
Teachers do a lot for our community and play a vital role in the development of youth. They deserve to be recognized for this, so we want to acknowledge and award them. The teacher will be nominated and elected by the Battle of the Teal Art Advisory Board members based on their students’ involvement and advocacy of the arts and education among youth.
- Teacher’s Featured article on Zealousness blog
- Teacher’s Featured article posted on our website (In the news section)
- Select a donation item from the pool of prizes donated towards this program. Selection is based on the availability of donated items received in the given year. Donations will be distributed on a first-response first-serve basis.
- Invitation to become a Battle of the Teal art network member
- Invitation to participate in an art forum (Depending on our upcoming schedule)
- Guest speaker from the art network visiting the class to talk about the art/their career (Post COVID or virtually)
- Up to $100 for class supplies (based on donation drive).
Raffle prize
Each showcase applicant (K 12 student) will have one entry into our exclusive Battle of the Teal raffle drawing. The drawing will take place after the application submission deadline and will be announced together with the showcase winners. They will have the option to be featured in our Yearbook and share their testimonial with our constituents. They will also have the opportunity to decline the prize and pass it on to another applicant of their choice.
Criteria for Academic Scholarships
The “Best in Show” can claim their scholarship award upon successful high school graduation and proof of enrollment into higher education institutions. In the event a student within any division is nominated as “Best in Show” and not graduating within that particular year, their scholarship award will be held at Edward Jones. This third party maintains iN Education’s scholarship account. They will receive a scholarship based on total donations raised towards iN Education’s scholarship fund. The minimum amount of the scholarship award is $250.
Award Guidelines for Academic Scholarships
To be eligible for scholarship payment, all applicants for academic scholarships must provide written proof of enrollment in the program for which a scholarship is sought before the funds will be released. Proof of enrollment must be sent directly to us from the trade school, personal development program, college, or university at which the applicant plans to use the scholarship.
This generally entails the form of a letter from the registrar’s office. Instructions for submission of proof of enrollment will be provided to successful applicants. Proof of enrollment must document the following:
- Enrollment in the fall semester of the application year
- Number of credits for which the student is enrolled
- Student enrollment status (full-time/part-time)
- Level of study (undergraduate//trade/professional development)
- Program of study
Unless otherwise specified, scholarships are given for only one (1) academic year. The academic year for which the scholarship is provided will be identified in the award.
Successful applicants will be awarded only one (1) scholarship or award per calendar year.
Notice of Academic Scholarship Award
- Initial notice to scholarship finalists will be sent via email to the address provided on the application.
- We will ask for final enrollment verification, a signature of promotional release, and educational records release documents. The scholarship is not officially awarded until the finalist(s) return the required documents.
- Final notice of awarded scholarships will be sent to each finalist via email and postal mail after verification is completed.
Applicants who are awarded an academic scholarship will have three weeks from the date of notification to submit proof of enrollment and tax forms. If documentation is not submitted before the deadline, the scholarship offer will be withdrawn. Exceptions to this policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis if extenuating circumstances are demonstrated.
Disbursement of an award
The scholarship payment will be made by check and sent on behalf of students who are studying in the U.S. at the university address provided during the verification process. Students studying outside of the U.S. will receive the payment by wire transfer or other accommodations. Scholarship finalists will be responsible for all online / wire transfer fees, including but not limited to processing fees or other fees associated with disbursement other than traditional check payment.
In the event of a surplus balance (the difference between the cost of college and the amount of the scholarship award), said amount can be transferred over to any post-secondary education, including but not limited to any certification or licensing (same rules for disbursement apply).
Scholarship applicant awardee(s) may use the awarded scholarship amount towards class books. To be reimbursed for books, awardee(s) must provide us with a copy of the receipt. Reimbursement will be processed by check or direct deposit only. Processing may take up two seven business days from the day that the proof of purchase was provided.