Earlier this month, the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective (BMC) — together with Amazon Music — relaunched the "Your Future Is Now" scholarship program for the third consecutive year.
This innovative 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.
This year, five HBCU students will be selected to take part in the program; each recipient will 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 program also includes an immersive rotational program with Amazon Music and Recording Academy department leads.
The deadline to apply for this year’s "Your Future Is Now" scholarship program is this Friday, April 28. Selected scholarship recipients will be announced on Monday, May 8.
To celebrate this unique, career-building opportunity, the Recording Academy is highlighting past recipients of the "Your Future Is Now" scholarship, who reflected on the lessons they learned from the program and discussed its impact on their burgeoning careers.
*Photo courtesy of Amir Duke.*
Amir Duke
Attending HBCU: Morehouse College\
Major: Economics with a minor in sales\
Class of 2023
The biggest lesson that I learned during my experience in the "Your Future Is Now" scholarship program is the importance of genuine relationship building in the music business.
Being able to network with like-minded individuals and have strong relationships based on similarities and interests will take you far in the music business.
Exploring opportunities and taking your time in the music business is key to longevity. I learned not to rush my career process and to take each opportunity with grace.
*Photo courtesy of Zsana Hoskins.*
Zsana Hoskins
Attending HBCU: Howard University\
Major: Journalism major with a minor in music\
Class of 2024
I learned that the music industry has many layers, and there isn't one particular way to enter it.
There are so many more roles that are available to those who aspire to have a career in music outside of the cliche ones we often hear about. And the journey to a music industry career isn't linear at all.
Everyone's path is different, but the goal is achievable.
*Photo courtesy of Jasmine Gordon.*
Jasmine Gordon
Attending HBCU: Spelman College\
Major: Comparative women's studies with a concentration in branding and marketing in the music industry and a minor in entrepreneurship\
Class of 2025
I had the privilege of interacting with a diverse group of music industry professionals and creators who shared a valuable lesson with me.
I learned the importance of not confining oneself and placing yourself in a singular box, but instead expanding beyond one's creative boundaries and exploring different avenues.
As a young, Black creative, this perspective was particularly impactful for me as it showed me that there are no constraints to my passions within this industry.
I am now inspired to continue to break barriers and pursue my creativity with an open mind.
*Photo courtesy of Jayden Potts*
Jayden Potts
Attending HBCU: Jackson State University\
Major: Music technology\
Class of 2026
The biggest lesson I learned during my experience in the "Your Future Is Now" scholarship program is that everyone's path is completely different. Nobody has an exact path to the career they landed in.
It showed me how they persevered through every position they had and pushed forward to their goal in mind, motivating me to do the same.
