Sound artist earns scholarship to pursue digital visual arts

Other University of California alumni can apply for the same kind of scholarship won by Margaret Noble

Margaret Noble, a sound and mixed media instructor at High Tech High and an award-winning sound artist, has been chosen to receive a University of California Alumni “Change the World” scholarship from UCSD Extension to pursue the study of digital visual arts.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from UCSD in 2002, Noble started her sound arts career working in the underground club community of Chicago. In 2007 she earned her master’s degree in sound art at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago. She also received the Hayward Prize and International Governor’s Grant, both for sound work. Her recent artist residences include the MAK museum in Vienna and the Salzburg Academy of Fine Art.
Noble will use her scholarship to pursue a certificate from the Digital Arts Center at UCSD Extension. The scholarship committee cited her  passion for working with young people to get them excited about the artistic possibilities of sound and technology. Her aim is to round out her knowledge of animation and complex digital photography.
The more than 1 million UC alumni are eligible to apply for merit scholarships of up to $5,500 to enter any continuing education certificate or special study program offered by UCSD Extension. Persons who have received a bachelor’s degree or a graduate degree from any UC campus are eligible to apply by completing an online “Change the World” Scholarship form available at extension.ucsd.edu/scholarships before the next deadline dae of Oct. 15.
Purposes for which applicants can apply can range from cultural enrichment to regional economic development. UCSD Extension is looking to reward alumni with the promise and potential to improve the quality of life in San Diego and beyond. In the application essay, potential recipients can explain how they would help California build a globally competitive talent pool, accelerate economic vitality or foster community-building conversations if they receive this advanced training.
Certificate programs offer a practical, concentrated study in a specific professional area and most can be started any academic quarter. For the convenience of working adults, classes for most of UCSD Extension’s certificate programs and specialized study programs are held evenings and weekends on the UCSD main campus and three other locations in Sorrento Mesa and Mission Valley.
UCSD offers about 100 certificates or special study programs. Some areas of possible study for career changers or those wishing to add new skills to their resume include: Business; Digital Arts; Education; Engineering and Defense Technology; English Language Studies; Foreign Languages; Healthcare and Behavioral Sciences; Humanities and Writing; Information Technology and Software Engineering; Law; Leadership and Management Development; Life Sciences; Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health; Photography, Art and Music, and Public Service, Social Responsibility and Sustainable Business.
Pursuing a continuing education certificate on a part-time basis can be a cost-effective and time-effective way to gain applied knowledge for employment areas in higher demand, according to UCSD Extension officials. In a 2009 survey of 487 certificate graduates, 84 percent reported they accomplished the goals they set for themselves by obtaining a certificate. Sixty-two percent of certificate graduates are under the age of 39. Approximately 85 percent already have a college degree and 10 percent are alumni of UCSD.
The “Change the World” scholarships are automatically renewed, provided the recipient continues to pass their coursework and remains active in the certificate program. Scholarships cover tuition only, are non-transferable and carry no cash value.
Scholarships are awarded each academic quarter. Applications must be received by Jan. 15, April 15, July 15, or Oct. 15. Recipients and non-recipients are notified by e-mail by March 15, June 15, Sept. 15 and Dec. 15.