The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® Announces The 2026 Noel Schajris Scholarship

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® announced that Latin GRAMMY®winner, and GRAMMY® nominated singer/songwriter Noel Schajris will sponsor its prestigious Prodigy Scholarship, also known as the 2026 Noel Schajris Scholarship, toward a bachelor’s degree at Berklee College of Music for the 2026 fall semester. The scholarship will include tuition, housing and wrap-around services valued at up to $250,000.

The scholarship further cements Schajris’ commitment to supporting the next generation of music makers. Throughout his career, he has generously contributed his time and resources to supporting aspiring young artists through his mentorship program, and has participated in various GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY programs and events, most recently a Latin GRAMMY In The Schools in Memphis, TN.

“As a kid, I dreamed of making a living from music. Life and the public have given me a career and the chance to express my soul through songs, and that enormous blessing translates into the opportunity for music lovers to enjoy that incredible experience,” said Schajris. “There is nothing more beautiful than learning, nor anything more important than education. I can’t wait to hear all that talent, which I have no doubt will move me and fill my heart.”

“We continue to be moved by the generosity of the artists and members of our music community and their commitment to the legacy of Latin music and its future creators,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “Each year, the cumulative impact rises creating a ripple effect of service and dreams fulfilled for both donors and creators alike.”

In addition to the 2026 Noel Schajris Scholarship, several scholarships are available for music students between the ages of 17 and 25 years of age with a passion for Latin music and financial limitations, who are starting their studies in the fall of 2026:

For the second consecutive year, Berklee will offer the Berklee & Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation Emerging Talent Scholarship, a full tuition presidential scholarship that covers tuition, comprehensive fees, required laptop fee/software bundle (freshman year only), on-campus housing and wrap around services.

As previously announced during the 2025 Latin GRAMMY Week, three (3) Gifted Tuition Scholarships of up to $120,000 each will be awarded to students to cover tuition and housing costs, as well as wrap around services provided by the Foundation, towards a four-year bachelor’s degree at the institution of their choice. They include the following:

  • The Celia Cruz Legacy Scholarship pays homage to Cruz’s voice, spirit and unwavering pride in her culture that transformed music and inspired generations around the world. As we celebrate the centennial of her birth in 2025, the scholarship honors her extraordinary legacy and the path she paved for future artists.
  • The Kany García Scholarship—sponsored by Latin GRAMMY winner, GRAMMY nominee and 2022 Leading Ladies of Entertainment honoree Kany García—will award one scholarship to benefit a young woman pursuing Latin music.
  • The Manolo Díaz Scholarship in honor of one of the founding members of the Foundation, who currently serves on its Board, will be awarded by fellow board member, Mireya Blavia, recognizing Díaz’s contributions and legacy to the industry.
Also, several Tuition Assistance Scholarships, offering between $7,500 to $12,500 each for tuition and wrap around services will be awarded to students commencing their studies or who are already attending the music institution of their choice. Final award amount with details will be provided to those selected. Bulova will sponsor one (1) Tuition Assistance Scholarship of up to $10,000 that will include an experiential educational component during the 27th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® in November 2026.
The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation is now accepting applications for 2026 scholarships until April 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Click here to review 2026 guidelines and apply. The application includes two audition videos, two letters of recommendation, two essays, and an acceptance letter from an accredited university. Materials can be submitted in English, Spanish or Portuguese.

To date, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® has awarded 477 scholarships, investing more than $12 million over the last 11 years.  For information and the latest news, please visit the official Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation website at:  www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org.

Photo Credit: María Jose Govea
Photo Credit: María Jose Govea

Spread the love!