The Adobe Foundation today announced it is committing one million dollars to establish the Adobe Foundation Creativity Scholarships – a new global initiative intended to unlock the creative potential of students. Offered to high-school seniors who participate in the Adobe Youth Voices program, the scholarship will help them continue their education, pursue creative careers and find innovative ways to improve their communities.

Students from the Adobe Youth Voices (AYV) network, which includes more than 800 sites in 52 countries, will be eligible to apply for the scholarships. AYV is Adobe’s signature global philanthropy initiative focused on teaching youth from underserved communities the power of creative self-expression and global citizenship. The first scholarship application cycle is expected to begin in spring 2013, with awards distributed for the start of the academic year beginning in fall 2013.

“The urge to create has never been stronger, and the ability to create is unprecedented, yet a new global study shows that most people feel they are not living up to their own creative potential,” said Shantanu Narayen, president and chief executive officer, Adobe (see separate release). “We challenge the notion that creativity is reserved for an elite few, and believe that no matter what you do, everyone has the potential to be creative.”

“With Adobe Foundation Scholarships we are reinforcing our commitment to closing the creativity gap,” Narayen added. “Our vision for this scholarship fund is to support the next generation of creative thinkers and propel the future careers of those who create.”

The Adobe Foundation Creativity Scholarships will be focused on youth who plan to pursue an academic program or career in a creative field at an accredited college, university or certification program. Scholarships will be based on financial need, academic performance and potential. Individual scholarship amounts and lengths will vary based on country, curriculum and other factors.

Additional details about the application process will be announced later this year.

About Adobe Youth Voices

Adobe Youth Voices is the Adobe Foundation’s global philanthropic initiative that empowers youth from underserved communities with digital media skills so they can comment on their world, share their ideas and take action on issues that are important to them. By harnessing the energy and insight of youth 13-19 years old, Adobe Youth Voices aims to inspire a dialogue for change in their communities.

The program engages youth to express themselves through documentary videos, photography, print media, radio diaries, animation, Web communications and other media. The Adobe Youth Voices global network now includes more than 800 sites, grantees and organizations in 52 countries, engaging over 150,000 youth and 8,200 educators in schools and out-of-school programs. For more information, visit www.youthvoices.adobe.com.

About the Adobe Foundation

The Adobe Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private foundation created and funded by Adobe Systems Incorporated to leverage human, technological and financial resources to drive social change and community improvements.