The Recording Academy's Black Music Collective (BMC) has proudly announced the recipients of the fourth annual "Your Future Is Now" scholarship program. The program has awarded $10,000 scholarships to five outstanding students currently attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and a hands-on, week-long immersive professional development experience, which recently concluded in New York City. Alongside the individual scholarships, the program granted two HBCUs $10,000 each for music program equipment, further investing in institutional resources for budding artists and music professionals.
The recipients of this year's "Your Future Is Now" scholarship include:
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Christia'n Chase Jarvis (Texas Southern University, Graduate Student) – Focus: Professional Communication & Digital Media
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Katheryn Moore (Virginia State University, Sophomore) – Focus: Music Marketing, Creative Direction, Events
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Chrysta Nichols (North Carolina A&T State University, Senior) – Focus: Media & Entertainment Attorney
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Langston Jackson (Morehouse College, Senior) – Focus: Music Agent or Label Executive
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Ariana Swindell (Spelman College, Junior) – Focus: Music Director and Singer/Songwriter
@grammys 🌟 When your excellence takes you to New York... Recording Academy style. 🎶 Meet @Chrysta⭐️, a Senior Journalism student at North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University, the largest HBCU in the nation. She is a #BlackMusicCollective 'Your Future is Now' scholar who is passionate about all things media and how it intersects business and law. 🎶 Chrysta's goal is to become a media and entertainment attorney to advocate for creators. She is a content creator herself who loves to highlight her #HBCU journey, personal style, and everyday lifestyle through authentic, engaging videos.
The "Your Future Is Now" scholarship program, which launched in 2021 during Black History Month, is designed to provide students with the unique opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the music and entertainment industries, while also catering to their individual career interests — from music marketing and entertainment law to artist management and creative direction. By immersing themselves in real-world environments, students gain invaluable exposure, mentorship and practical knowledge that will support their professional growth and contribute to the future of the music industry.
As part of the program, the scholarship recipients also participated in an immersive, career-defining rotation program, which allowed them to engage with leaders from the Recording Academy. The Immersive Rotation Program took place from April 21–27 in New York City and offered students a dynamic, curated schedule that blended professional development, networking and cultural experiences. Highlights included a tour of SiriusXM with artist Torae; immersive visits to major record labels such as Republic Records, Island, Verve, and 1824; a private tour of the Recording Academy's New York office; and exclusive access to the two-day GRAMMY U Conference.
Students also experienced the vibrant New York music scene through concerts and showcases. Each day's activities were thoughtfully designed to maximize industry exposure while allowing time for personal exploration and reflection, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful experience for every participant.
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, expressed pride in the scholarship's impact. "The program's effect on our student cohorts has been nothing short of remarkable, and I couldn't be prouder," he said. "It's crucial that we continue investing in the next generation of Black music creators and professionals, equipping them to lead and shape the future of the music industry."
Reflecting one of the Recording Academy's core values, the "Your Future Is Now" scholarship program fosters the next generation of creators and music industry professionals. Read our GRAMMY Impact Report to explore how the Recording Academy supports students, rising professionals and aspiring creatives through scholarships, grants and year-round professional development and mentorship opportunities for professionals at every career level. Learn more about how the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective and the "Your Future Is Now" scholarship program are supporting future Black music creators and industry professionals.