Kim Stroud Scholarship for Dance Excellence Fund

The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain is proud to announce the establishment of the Kim Stroud Scholarship for Dance Excellence Fund, created in honor of Kim Stroud’s remarkable career and lasting impact on dance education in Connecticut.

To commemorate this milestone, Alexa Melonopoulos Fleury and Kim Stroud visited the Foundation’s office on October 15th to officially sign the fund agreement, marking the creation of a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire and support young dancers for generations to come.

About Kim Stroud and Her Legacy

Kim Stroud has had an extraordinary career as a dancer, educator, and mentor whose influence has touched countless students across Connecticut and beyond. A Principal Soloist with the Martha Graham Dance Company for eleven years, Kim toured internationally and performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages. She has also been on faculty at both the Martha Graham School and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in New York City, helping to train the next generation of professional dancers. Her professional credits include performances with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, the road company of Your Arms Too Short to Box With God, and the Universal Studios film production of The Wiz. She has also worked as a guest artist with Katherine Dunham and the Gemini Dance Company.

On the occasion of Kim Stroud’s retirement, after over 30 years of exceptional leadership and commitment to the Academy and dance in Connecticut her family, and her Academy family established the Kim Stroud Scholarship for Dance Excellence. This scholarship celebrates Kim’s outstanding and long-time commitment to the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Half Day Program in her multiple roles from Dance Department Chair to Director and dance in the state of Connecticut.

After sitting with Kim and discussing the importance of this scholarship she shared that during her second year of college, she faced a financial obstacle that nearly ended her dance education. One of her teachers personally covered her tuition, giving her the chance to continue her training and pay it forward later. That act of generosity inspired her lifelong commitment to helping young dancers overcome barriers to pursuing their passion. Throughout her career, she has supported countless students not only in honing their artistic skills but also in ensuring their basic needs were met so they could fully participate in the arts.

Kim is deeply passionate about elevating dance as a respected and viable career path, emphasizing that the arts are as vital and enduring as any other profession. She often reminds parents to support their children’s passions and allow them to explore their creative potential in college and beyond. Through the Kim Stroud Scholarship for Dance Excellence Fund, her goal is to inspire young people to chase their dreams and to receive the encouragement and support they need, just as she once did.

About the Scholarship

The Kim Stroud Scholarship for Dance Excellence celebrates Kim’s lifelong dedication to dance and education by supporting high school seniors who plan to continue their dance studies at the collegiate level.

Each year, one or more scholarships will be awarded to outstanding students who demonstrate both technical skill and artistic expression.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered, applicants must:

• Be graduating high school students studying dance at a public school in Connecticut
• Be accepted and pursuing a degree in dance at an accredited college or university
• Demonstrate technical and artistic excellence through an audition or video submission
• Provide letters of recommendation
• Submit a personal essay

Scholarship awards may be used for tuition, room and board, books, fees, or required equipment, consistent with the Foundation’s spending policy.

Selection Process

Recipients will be selected by an advisory committee composed of representatives appointed by the Fund’s founders and members approved by the Foundation. All selections are subject to the final approval of the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors, in accordance with Foundation policies.

Applications will open annually through the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain’s online scholarship portal. Visit cfgnb.org/scholarship-overview to learn more!

Scholarships at CFGNB

A scholarship at the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain is a permanent fund held that provides financial support to students pursuing higher education. The principal of the fund is preserved in perpetuity and invested; each year, a portion of the fund’s return is awarded to students who meet the fund’s specific eligibility criteria, helping cover tuition, books, room and board, or other academic expenses.

A CFGNB Scholarship:

• Celebrates a legacy, honors an individual, or supports a cause important to the donor.
• Provides financial assistance to students, helping them pursue their educational and career goals.
• Ensures long-term impact by supporting students year after year.

By partnering with CFGNB to manage a scholarship, donors create a lasting legacy that helps students achieve their dreams while continuing to make an impact for generations to come. Learn More!

You can help support the next generation of talented dancers by contributing to the Kim Stroud Scholarship for Dance Excellence Fund at CFGNB. Your gift will provide financial assistance to high school students pursuing dance at the collegiate level and help continue Kim Stroud’s legacy of excellence in the arts.

Applications will open annually through the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain’s online scholarship portal.

Visit cfgnb.org/scholarship-overview to learn more!

A Lasting Legacy

The Kim Stroud Scholarship for Dance Excellence Fund stands as a testament to Kim’s belief in the transformative power of the arts. Through this fund, future generations of dancers will have the opportunity to pursue their passion and achieve their dreams, continuing the legacy of excellence, creativity, and dedication that Kim has inspired throughout her career.