Charlie Hounchell Art Stars Scholarship

The Charlie Hounchell Art Stars Scholarship (CHASS) is an annual scholarship program that awards financial tuition assistance to Tampa Bay area high school students with exceptional talents in the arts. The program recognizes excellence across multiple artistic disciplines including instrumental music, vocal music, theater, dance, visual arts, and literary arts. Founded in 2008 by the late Charlie Hounchell, a former president of Tampa Bay Business Coalition for the Arts, the program was later renamed in his honor to continue his legacy of supporting young artists. Since its inception, Tampa Bay BCA has awarded over $280,000 in financial tuition assistance to more than 102 Tampa Bay area students, the majority coming from public high schools. The scholarship provides critical support to talented young artists as they pursue higher education in their chosen artistic disciplines. Each year, six or more scholarships are awarded to deserving students across the various arts categories. Recipients are selected through a competitive application process that evaluates their artistic talent, dedication, and future aspirations in the arts. The scholarship helps fund college tuition for students attending art schools, conservatories, and universities where they will continue to develop their artistic skills. Past recipients have gone on to pursue degrees in music education, animation, cinematic arts, dance, and other creative fields, often with goals of becoming educators, performers, or professional artists who will give back to their communities.