The Black Music Collective — the Recording Academy’s hub for genre-spanning power players in Black music — is back with its “Your Future Is Now” program!

For its fourth year, the BMC and Amazon Music have once again collaborated to provide a thrilling scholarship opportunity for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), who comprise the next generation of movers and shakers in the music industry.

Since its establishment in 2021, the “Your Future Is Now” scholarship has made great strides in mentorship opportunities and donations to HBCU students and music programs.

This year, the BMC has awarded five students from HBCUs $10,000. Additionally, they awarded two HBCUs $10,000 grants each to purchase equipment for their music programs, enhancing the learning experience for current and future students. 

In September 2023, Amazon Music and the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective collaborated on a $10,000 grant to Pensole Lewis College in Detroit, Michigan, delivered in the form of a check presentation event. And two months ago — on April 5 — the two entities presented a $10,000 check to Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Both go directly toward their music programs and the music equipment used therein.

At Pensole Lewis College, Ricky Lyon, the Manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Recording Academy, presented the check to the university.

The Recording Academy also worked with the college on a custom shoe design to elevate and promote news of the donation, and highlight Pensole's student design program — at the 2024 RA Honors event, a student design was chosen and showcased.

At Fayetteville State, Ryan Butler, the Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Recording Academy, presented the check to the university's Vice Chancellor, Omar Bell. This was in parallel with the Dreamville Music Festival, which was live streamed by Amazon Music.

Congratulations to the recipients of these two generous grants, and keep checking the Recording Academy's website — for more news regarding the BMC and beyond.

Build Your Financial Foundations With The Recording Academy & MusiCares

Every year, the big reveal of the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective (BMC) and Amazon Music's "Your Future Is Now" scholarship recipients is always a thrilling event — and now, that day has finally come.

The Black Music Collective and Amazon Music have announced the recipients of the 2023 "Your Future Is Now" scholarship program: Joseph Michael Abiakam (Norfolk State University), Langston Jackson (Hampton University), Kennedi Amari Johnson (Clark Atlanta University), Courtney Roberts (Texas Southern University), and Caleb Wilkerson (Florida A&M University).

The "Your Future Is Now" scholarship program, which first launched in February 2021 and returned for the third consecutive year in April, provides students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) opportunities to learn and explore all facets of the music industry. The scholarship offers students the chance to receive $10,000 for the 2023/2024 school year and the opportunity to be part of an immersive rotation program with Amazon Music and Recording Academy department leads, providing each student a detailed look at their particular field of work within the music industry. To coincide with these scholarships, the BMC and Amazon Music will also award two HBCUs a $10,000 grant each for equipment for their music programs to be announced later this summer.

This diverse group of students represents five HBCU schools, across various stages and areas of focus in their higher education journey. Abiakam is a graduate student at Norfolk State University, interested in piano performance and music production; Jackson is a sophomore at Hampton University, interested in music marketing and audio production; Johnson is a sophomore at Clark Atlanta University, interested in A&R and marketing; Roberts is a freshman at Texas Southern University, interested in A&R and marketing; and Wilkerson is a junior at Florida A&M University, interested in music marketing.

Read More: 4 Key Takeaways From The "Your Future Is Now" Scholarship Program, According To Past Scholarship Recipients

"We are immensely proud to collaborate with Amazon Music in renewing this exceptional scholarship program for the third consecutive year," Ryan Butler, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Recording Academy, emphasized. "The imperative of Black representation in the music industry cannot be overstated, and this scholarship is a tangible manifestation of our unwavering commitment to promoting the aspirations of future Black music leaders. We are delighted to provide Joseph, Langston, Kennedi, Courtney, and Caleb with this life-changing opportunity as they pursue their ambitions and contribute to the advancement of Black music."

"The 'Your Future Is Now' scholarship was created to foster an inclusive environment where Black creators can realize their career objectives. Since its launch in 2021, the program has grown to become a cornerstone of Amazon Music and the Black Music Collective's work supporting students at HBCUs," Phylicia Fant, Head of Music Industry and Culture Collaborations at Amazon Music, said. "This year's class of students represents the next generation of Black musicians and executives, and it's an honor to play a part in their development as individuals and future leaders."

In addition, as part of "Your Future Is Now," Amazon Music, the Same House and the Recording Academy are coming together to host the "Your Future Is Now" Business Development Seminar for select members of the 2023 graduating class of Morris Brown College. Revealed this past weekend at Morris Brown's commencement by the Recording Academy's Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, Zing Shaw, this new, half-day music business seminar, taking place on Saturday, June 17, will offer professional development expertise in music business, publishing and music production. Facilitators at the event will include Recording Academy Atlanta Chapter President Justin Henderson and Frankie Yaptinchay of Amazon Music.

Following the music business seminar, graduates will be treated to a suite experience at State Farm Arena for the annual ATL Birthday Bash Concert where they will have the opportunity to network with representatives from the Recording Academy and Amazon Music, as well as other key music industry executives.

Learn more about the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective and the "Your Future Is Now" scholarship program — and join the Recording Academy in cheering on these inspiring recipients as they charge into the future!

Your Future Is Now: Music Industry Executives Discuss The Benefits Of Historically Black Colleges And Universities

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.

Your Future Is Now: Music Industry Executives Discuss The Benefits Of Historically Black Colleges And Universities

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.

Your Future Is Now: Music Industry Executives Discuss The Benefits Of Historically Black Colleges And Universities