When it comes to uplifting historically marginalized communities, the Recording Academy doesn't just talk the talk — it walks the walk.
The Recording Academy's Black Music Collective (BMC) — together with Amazon Music — have today relaunched their "Your Future Is Now" scholarship program for the third consecutive year.
Established in 2021, the program is designed to provide students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) the opportunity to explore all facets of the music industry by offering unique networking opportunities with revered music industry leaders, including an immersive rotational program with Amazon Music and Recording Academy department leads.
This year, five HBCU students will be selected to take part in the program and will each be awarded a $10,000 scholarship. In addition, the BMC and Amazon Music will award two HBCUs $10,000 grants each for equipment for their music programs.
The scholarship application opens today (Monday, April 3). Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident currently enrolled at an HBCU pursuing a bachelor's degree in music, music business, business administration, marketing, communications, or a related field of study. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is Friday, April 28. Selected scholarship recipients will be announced on Monday, May 8.
Apply for the "Your Future Is Now" scholarship program now.
"We are thrilled to bring back the 'Your Future Is Now' scholarship program in collaboration with Amazon Music for a third year," said Rico Love, Vice Chair of the Recording Academy Board of Trustees and BMC Chair. "With the support of our incredible DEI team Zing Shaw, Ryan Butler and Ricky Lyon, we are committed to leveling the playing field for the next generation of Black musicians and professionals by providing them with invaluable mentorship opportunities and experiences to prepare them for careers in the music industry."
"As a member of the Spelman College family, I know how HBCU networks serve as an ongoing sources of friendship as well as professional support. Projects like the 'Your Future Is Now' scholarship are vital to extending these connections to the next generation of HBCU students," said Phylicia Fant, Head of Music Industry and Culture Collaborations at Amazon Music. "The bonds these students will build as part of the scholarship program will last for decades to come, and Amazon Music is thrilled to be at the forefront of diversity and true and meaningful inclusion."
The Recording Academy and the Black Music Collective are thrilled about this impactful development and remain committed to uplifting people of all backgrounds and experiences in the service of one of humanity's greatest gifts: music.
