The Ralph Gomez Scholarship Award
In Memory of Ralph Gomez:
In 1973, Ralph Gomez founded the Inner-City Ensemble Theater and Dance Company in Paterson, New Jersey. The Inner-City Ensemble, fondly known as I.C.E., was a performing arts training program for urban teenagers. This program trained its members to attain professional skills, as well as made it possible for its members to attain self-confidence. Through I.C.E., Ralph Gomez opened an entire world of possibilities and opportunities to urban teenagers, giving them the gift of self-expression and personal value. I.C.E. gave youths the prospect of, not only dreaming, but making those dreams into reality.
Ralph Gomez opened the doors to urban teenagers who otherwise may not have had the chance of training and developing their artistic talents. He created a place where urban teenagers could make the decision of not choosing gangs, drugs, and crime as their only option, because through I.C.E., they received the encouragement, opportunity, and strength they needed to expect far more of themselves, and achieve those things which may have seemed like mere dreams, never to be attained. Members of Ralph Gomez's I.C.E. have performed with Alvin Ailey, Ballet Hispanico, and Jose Limon. They have attended the The Juilliard School and have founded their own companies.
In 1986, Mr. Gomez founded youth programs for Project Street Beat, which is an HIV prevention program for intravenous drug users, the homeless, and commercial sex workers, and the Hub, a center providing after-school classes. Through the program "Magic," which stands for "More American Graffiti in Control," he brought together graffiti artists and encouraged them to create their art, not on subway cars, but on canvas, drawing the artists away from defacing public and private properties.
In memory, honour, and admiration of Ralph Gomez, and keeping in the spirit of attaining self-confidence, self-expression, and personal value, we offer the Ralph Gomez Scholarship Award to students who demonstrate financial hardship. There is no application deadline for this Award, and new students and existing students in need are encouraged to apply. Students who have been granted this Award will need to re-apply yearly. The Award is a full scholarship, allowing recipients to participate in as many classes as chosen, including the mandatory classes required for membership in the Repertory Company. Application requirements are as follows:
*Must be between the ages of 13 and 17
*Must attend all classes
*Must attend all rehearsals
*Must perform at our annual Dance Concert
*Must perform at all Repertory Company events (if applicable)
*Must have proof of financial hardship
To apply for the Ralph Gomez Scholarship Award, please contact the Academy to arrange an appointment with the Artistic Director for review and consideration. Students must be accompanied by their parents/guardians. A copy of the most recent Tax Form must be presented at the time of the meeting. Parents/guardians may be asked to provide a copy of their most recent pay stub. No previous dance classes are required. However, students must demonstrate a strong desire to develop their artistic talents.