University of Southern California
Major of Study: Business Administration“With rising tuition and living costs, this scholarship gives me the relief I need to focus on my studies and take advantage of opportunities to advance my career.”
New York City College of Technology
Major of Study: Entertainment Technology
“I always had people telling me I couldn’t achieve my dreams, and receiving this scholarship shows me that there are people out there that do believe in me.”
Spelman College
Major of Study: Comparative Women’s Studies
“Being a recipient motivates me to strive for excellence and to serve as a role model for other young women aspiring to make their mark in the industry.”
Howard University
Major of Study: Audio Production
“I’d like to send my overwhelming gratitude to Music Forward for investing in all my dreams and holding them valuable.”
Drexel University
Major of Study: Music Industry
“It’s a validation of my passion for service, and my commitment to academic and professional excellence. Knowing that my efforts have been recognized in this way fills me with so much gratitude.”
Hometown: Shreveport, LA
Dillard University
Major of Study: Theatre Technology
“Receiving this scholarship is an immense blessing to me that I cannot thank Music Forward enough. After years with family and financial issues, this is a rare light in the darkness that keeps me motivated to continue pursuing what’s best for me. I’ll be able to focus even more on completing my degree and preparing for future education.”
Hometown: Eatontown, NJ
Monmouth University
Major of Study: Music Industry
“Winning the Live Nation Scholarship means everything to me. It represents a transformative milestone in my musical journey that will open doors to new opportunities and shape my future in the music industry. To me, this scholarship is not just a financial award, but instead a recognition of my dedication, talent, and potential as an aspiring professional. It serves as validation of the countless hours I have poured into honing my craft, refining my skills, and pursuing my passion.”
Hometown: Lansdowne, PA
Tennessee State University
Major of Study: Commercial Music
“Receiving this scholarship means absolutely everything to me. While being a full-time college student, I’m a restaurant host, a radio host, a saxophonist and bassoonist, an award show volunteer, and so much more. I’ve made it my mission to learn everything I can to reach my career dreams. This award says ‘We see you. We see your work and we want to invest in you.’ Receiving that encouragement from those who are where I want to be is a blessing.”
Hometown: New York, NY
New York University
Major of Study: Music Business
“It is amazing to see that I have gotten the support of such great entities such as the Music Forward Foundation, Gov Ball, and Live Nation with this scholarship. They believe in me and my dreams. It shows me that I am on the right path and motivates me to keep working hard to achieve those dreams.”
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles Southwest College
Major of Study: AA-IGETC: Music
“This scholarship means that I may be ever closer to the types of people I want to be surrounded by. It can feel unbelievable at times to believe that the way I express myself is appreciated in this time still. I am a bit more optimistic that we intend to fight the proverbial Good Fight.”
Hometown: Winona, MN
Winona State University
Major of Study: Music Performance & Music Business
“This scholarship means the world to me and makes a significant impact on my academic and personal goals. This scholarship not only provides me with financial aid but also serves as an inspiration and motivation to continue working hard toward my goals. It gives me a sense of responsibility to use my education to make a positive impact in my community and beyond. I will make sure to use this opportunity to its fullest and make the most out of it.”
Hometown: Mankato, MN
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Major of Study: Music Industry
“Receiving the Affinity Plus Scholarship means more to me than I can truly give justice to with my words alone. Finding out I was the 2023 recipient of this scholarship showed me that the hard work and sacrifices I have made to start building credibility and a name for myself in the music industry are not happening without appreciation and notice from those around me. I truly would be nowhere without the financial support and opportunities like this that have been graciously gifted to me.”
Hometown: Stillwater, MN
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Major of Study: Marketing
“I’m excited to receive the Affinity Plus Scholarship since it will allow me to continue growing and pursuing my dream of a career in music. My long-term goal is to be a touring artist and to create with the artists I look up to. This means a lot of my time and money will have to be dedicated to my music career, and the Affinity Plus Scholarship makes this possible. I also hope to eventually give back and support the communities that have helped me along the way.”
Hometown: Murfreesboro, TN
Middle Tennessee State University
Major of Study: Recording Industry & Music Business
“By receiving this scholarship, I am able to pay for my senior year in full and my family does not have to carry the burden of trying to figure out how to support me through my final two semesters of my undergraduate degree. This means the world to me as I have spent the last 3 years studying hard, working hard, and putting my best foot forward so that I could thrive and be successful in my educational career. This scholarship allows me to focus on my education and leave the worries behind.”
Hometown: Camden, NJ
New York University
Major of Study: Music Technology
“Receiving this scholarship means that there are people out there who believe in me and are willing to invest in my dream of working in the music industry. Following the death of my mom back in 2020, my future in the music industry seemed uncertain. Receiving this scholarship affirms that I am on the right path and that there are people who are willing to support me.”
Hometown: New York, NY
University of Miami
Major of Study: Public Relations and Music Business
“College debt can be a career hindrance, so receiving this scholarship means that I can focus on developing myself into an industry professional without the added financial stress. Having one less loan to repay, will give me more freedom and independence post-graduation. To be selected for this scholarship out of thousands of applicants means that all the hard work and time I have dedicated to pursuing my career has paid off!”
Hometown: Mankato, MN
Minnesota State University Mankato
Major of Study: Music Industry
“I cannot afford college and therefore rely on loans, grants, and scholarships to be able to sustain my education. Receiving this scholarship not only means that I will be able to continue learning about what I love – music – but it also shows me that there are people and organizations who love music as much as I do and are willing to support others to continue to benefit such an important industry.”
Hometown: Oceanside, CA
MiraCosta College
Major of Study: Music Technology
“I have been unemployed the last year due to COVID, and am facing further financial burdens this next year. Receiving this scholarship was a miracle in assisting me in continuing my education and path as an artist.“
Hometown: Summerville, SC
Queens University of Charlotte
Major of Study: Arts Leadership and Administration
“This scholarship will allow me to focus on aligning my passion, knowledge, and understanding of music to elevate me into my future career. To be able to pass on my love for music is what matters most to me.”
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Columbia College Chicago
Major of Study: Music Business
“Receiving this scholarship lets me know that there are people who believe in me and my plans for the music industry. It means that I have more of a responsibility to continue doing my very best in executing my vision, and I cannot wait to see what I am able to make of it!”
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
New York University
Major of Study: Recorded Music
“I want technological innovation to be at the core of what I get to work on in the music industry. This scholarship reassures me that I have the potential to leave an impact on the future of the music industry.”
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Berklee College of Music
Major of Study: Music Business
“Receiving this scholarship has changed my perspective in the overall pursuit of my goals. I hope that others who feel that they are in the same position as I once was, are able to look at my accomplishment as something they are capable of achieving as well.”
Hometown: Brooklyn Park, MN
Minnesota State University- Mankato
Major of Study: Music Industry
“This scholarship validates the hard work that I’ve put in so far and reaffirms my decision to pursue an education and career in the music industry. It boosts my confidence that I am on the right path towards a successful music industry career.”
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Belmont University
Major of Study: Music Business
“I believe that music brings us together and I want to create spaces where people feel connected with each other. As a woman entering this industry, I also want to promote inclusivity and diversity, to ensure that future leaders continue to be represented.”
Hometown: Brockton, MA
Howard University
Major of Study: Music Composition and Theory
“This scholarship gives me hope that I can transcend my own limits as well as push the limits within the music industry. It means to me that my dreams are valuable and impactful enough that others believe in it too.”
Hometown: Wyoming, OH
University of Louisville
Major of Study: Marketing
“Receiving this scholarship means the world to me. As someone who has worked inside Live Nation venues while in college, it is great to see the company I love give back to students trying to find their place in the industry.”
Hometown: Camden, NJ
NYU Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music
Major of Study: Recorded Music
“It feels good to know that there are people who believe in me and my vision. I want to aid in the creation of a music industry that is inclusive of Black women in positions of power and leverage. I wish to evoke change, help create visibility, generate equity, and build a network of incredible Black women…to show the next generation of young Black girls who want to work in the music industry that they can, because someone that looks like them is so they can too.”
Hometown: Oconto, MN
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Major of Study: Entertainment Industry and Technology
“This scholarship gives me confidence that what I have been working for is worthwhile and professionals in the industry see potential in me. I believe that women in the entertainment industry bring unique values…and I envision myself spreading the female perspective to be a voice for other women.”
Hometown: Dothan, AL
Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
Major of Study: Music Industry/Management
“As a first-generation college student, I know that I must continue to identify opportunities that allow me to set myself up for success. With the US Concerts Scholarship, I will be able to further my education in live music production and artist management. The scholarship brings me closer to my goals of supporting the discovery of independent artists and focusing on mental health in the industry.”
Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
The College of Saint Rose, Albany, NY
Major of Study: Music Industry
“This scholarship strives to support women in an industry that is mostly male-dominated. I am extremely honored and eager to utilize this support towards my education, in order to help both my personal career, as well as other women pursuing careers in the music industry.”
Hometown: Boardman, OH
Berklee College of Music, Boston, MA
Major of Study: Music Business/Management
“This scholarship is a testament to the values my parents and advisors instilled in me at a young age and confirms that I have found my own “stage” or purpose in the music industry. I will continue to dedicate my life to giving before taking, helping instead of hurting, and collaborating rather than competing. I am blessed and honored to be acknowledged for this award.”
Hometown: Inglewood, CA
The Los Angeles Film School, Los Angeles, CA
Major of Study: Audio Production
“This scholarship is a blessing. It gives me hope that if I continue to work hard good things are coming and gives me reassurance that I am on the right path. I want to finish strong, and put this to good use for a better and brighter future.”