Having seen how the visual art, drama classes, after school program, and summer camp programs make a difference to those in need, The ArtsCenter has always found a way to provide space in its programs for those who could not afford to pay. Providing scholarships has become harder during the last two years as the economy has struggled.

The new program, Dollars for Scholars, will help meet the need.

"It's a pretty simple request," said Ed Camp, executive director of The ArtsCenter. "We're asking patrons of our programs to provide just one dollar to the scholarship program. Every one of those dollars will go into our general scholarship fund, which helps those who need financial assistance to participate in our programs."

Collections will be taken at the door as patrons enter The ArtsCenter events, but donations can also be made when community members sign up for classes or programs on-line.

Camp added that The Arts-Center has always tried to find creative ways to provide scholarships, often absorbing the full cost for participants but also providing partial scholarships.

"Of course, we've also been very fortunate to receive support from a wide range of donors who wanted to provide scholarship money," Camp added. "Unfortunately, some of the foundations who have helped us in the past have been hit by the recession, and there are more families who need our help than we can currently help."

According to Brooke Kesterson, the director of Children and Family Programs, "Each summer, our camp program receives more requests for scholarships than we can meet. We have developed a straightforward application process that establishes economic need, and every program director is committed to finding additional business and individual donors that can expand our ability to offer more scholarships to those on the waiting lists."

The ArtsCenter is located at 300-G East Main Street in downtown Carrboro, the Box Office is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and can be reached at 919.929.2787, ext 201. The website is www.ArtsCenterLive.org.