Live Nation and Music Forward Foundation Launch 2024 Scholarship Programs

Live Nation Entertainment, the world’s leading live entertainment company, and Music Forward Foundation, today launched their 2024 scholarship application period for college students pursuing careers in the music and live entertainment industry.

Five $10,000 scholarships will be awarded to outstanding college students—in either their junior or senior year—majoring in music, music business, production, and/or related fields at an accredited college or university in the U.S. The opportunity is specifically designed to support students interested in the core aspects of the concert business, including concert promotion, venue operation, ticketing, sponsorship, hospitality, artist management, etc. Applications for 2024 must be submitted online by March 31 at http://musicforwardfoundation.org/scholarships

“We are happy to once again work with the Music Forward scholarship program as we continue to invest in talented, driven, and dedicated young people pursuing careers in live entertainment," said Jordan Zachary, Co-President of US Concerts, Live Nation. “Our ongoing partnership with the Music Forward Foundation reinforces our commitment to champion and empower the next generation of leaders in our industry,” added Omar Al-joulani, Co-President of US Concerts, Live Nation.

“Scholarships remain a pivotal part of our community outreach and recruitment programming,” said Nurit Smith, Executive Director, Music Forward Foundation. "Music Forward’s mission is to support young people hoping to enter the music and live entertainment industry and this program expands our reach to a wide range of students who may not otherwise be afforded the opportunity to pursue dream careers.” 

Scholarship recipient selections will be made by a panel of industry executives and thought leaders across academic, entertainment, civic, and corporate sectors. Criteria for selection include academic achievement, essay responses, and recommendations. Scholarships will be announced in June 2024, and awards will be given for the Fall 2024 semester.

The five scholarships will be awarded to students nationwide in the following areas: 

Governors Ball Scholarship: Established to support students native to the five boroughs of New York City, with preference to Queens, pursuing a degree in live entertainment, with a focus on music. The $10,000 scholarship will help further the student’s career pathway in performance, live production, music engineering, music business, and related fields of study. 

Steven J. Finkel Service Excellence Scholarship: Established in memory of a Live Nation employee who went above and beyond to improve the concert experience for fans, artists, and staff, this $10,000 scholarship is designed to support the ever-growing customer service expectations within the live entertainment industry. 

Tiffany Green Operator Scholarship: Established in memory of one of Live Nation’s first female concert production specialists, this $10,000 scholarship is designed to support women pursuing a career in live entertainment. 

Live Nation Scholarship: Established to support students interested in the core areas of Live Nation’s business, this $10,000 scholarship is designed to support students focused on concert promotion, venue operation, sponsorship, ticketing, and artist management. 

David E. Ballard Scholarship: Established in 2019 in memory of David E. Ballard in partnership with Inherit the Music, this $10,000 scholarship supports youth who have experienced homelessness and/or been part of the foster care system and are pursuing a career in live entertainment.  

For more information on additional scholarships offered by Music Forward Foundation, please visit: https://musicforwardfoundation.org/programs/scholarships/