The Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Museum have formally named five college students as the recipients of the fourth annual Quinn Coleman Memorial Scholarship, underscoring a commitment to bolstering the future leadership and diversity within the music industry.
Established in 2021, the scholarship honors the legacy of the late executive, DJ, and creative force, Quinn Coleman. The program is specifically structured to offer more than just financial relief; it provides an accelerated career pathway for students poised to become innovators, industry leaders, and champions for music culture.
This year’s cohort is drawn from diverse educational backgrounds spanning sound technology, entertainment management, and music business, reflecting the multi-faceted nature of the modern industry. The recipients are: Eliana Dean (Oakwood University), studying film and television communications; Julie Flores (Berklee College of Music), specializing in music business/management; Khaleel Santiago (Drexel University), focused on entertainment and arts management; Melissa Lysiak (Chapman University), concentrating on business administration; and Parker Jones(DePaul University), studying Sound Recording Technology.
Central to the scholarship is the immersion component, rooted in the Academy’s DREAM Network (Diversity Reimagined by Engaging All Musicmakers). Beyond direct financial aid, which includes tuition support and stipends for equipment and professional preparedness, the program mandates a spring internship at either the Recording Academy or The Latin Recording Academy. This provides the scholars with critical, hands-on experience and institutional knowledge essential for translating academic success into high-level, full-time industry roles.
In an era demanding both innovation and inclusivity, programs like the Quinn Coleman Memorial Scholarship are vital mechanisms for shaping the industry’s human capital, ensuring that the next wave of decision-makers is both skilled and representative of the music community they serve.
Photo Courtesy of grammymuseum.org
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