Universal Music Group announced the establishment of the Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. In partnership with the UCLA Foundation, UMG has endowed a new scholarship, which will support high-potential students studying in the school’s Music Industry Program.

The scholarship builds on the 2024 launch of the UCLA Berry Gordy Music Industry Center at the school of music, a hub dedicated to research, teaching, community engagement and career support around the evolving global music business. Each year, a student demonstrating exceptional promise and financial need will be named a Berry Gordy Scholar and receive funding toward tuition, housing and educational expenses. The recipient will also play an active role in the life and mission of the center, helping to shape the future of the music industry from within one of the country’s top public universities.

“For more than 65 years, Berry Gordy’s name has been synonymous with artistry and the transformative power of music,” said Sir Lucian Grainge, Universal Music Group chairman and CEO. “Through this scholarship, UMG is honoring his enduring legacy by investing in a new generation of young people who will help carry that spirit forward – creators and changemakers, who will have an opportunity to reflect the innovation and entrepreneurial genius that Mr. Gordy helped bring to the world through Motown, Tamla and the pioneering sound of Detroit.”

“I am thrilled that my friend Sir Lucian Grainge and Universal Music Group have committed to support this program with their endowment that will help open doors for many more students and continue to pave the way for music to be a force for good and change,” Berry Gordy said. “The center provides vital opportunities for students at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music to help prepare for careers in the music industry, so that future generations of young talent will continue to innovate, inspire and bring together culture and communities through the power of music.”

Scholarship recipients will be selected by the director of the Berry Gordy Center and will be eligible to receive the award in consecutive years based on demonstrated financial need and academic engagement.

For information, visit schoolofmusic.ucla.edu.