Select incoming students are awarded Emerging Leaders in the Arts scholarships through a highly selective nomination and application process. The recipients participate in a four-year program designed to support their development as leaders that will have an impact on the arts community upon graduation. Each year, ELA scholars must accrue from 40 to 60 hours in ELA activities to continue participating in the program.

For first-year ELA scholars, the focus is on enhanced understanding of one’s strengths and weaknesses, on making connections in and around Moore and on learning how to work successfully as a team. During the sophomore year, the focus shifts to working with arts-related community organizations. Juniors shadow a different leader in the arts each semester. Finally, seniors support and work together to clarify their lifelong goals and take the steps they need to achieve them.