The Latin GRAMMY® Master Series: “Educación Financiera” kicks-off in Miami to provide financial education for high school and college students

For additional images, please click here. Credit: John Parra/Getty Images for the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation

MIAMI (JAN. 31, 2023) — Today, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, in partnership with JPMorgan Chase, kicked off its first Educación Financiera financial health education workshops as part of the Latin GRAMMY® Master Series. Through live and virtual sessions, high school seniors and college students, including emerging musicians, will have access to money and credit management information and resources— and expert advice from financial leaders, music executives and creators. The first event was hosted in Miami with more than 500 students in attendance.

Special guests, Latin GRAMMY®, GRAMMY®, and Emmy-winning producer, director, musician and entrepreneur, Emilio Estefan Jr. and Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY-winning producer, entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Loud And Live, Nelson Albareda kicked off the first workshop, “Essentials of Building Credit in the Music Arts Industry”. JPMorgan Chase representatives discussed the importance of building credit to help jumpstart financial wellness. Together the special guests, along with the Foundation and JPMorgan Chase, share the goal of inspiring students to create and cultivate innovative ideas that will help advance their creative pursuits and financial wellbeing.

“Empowering Hispanic and Latino students with financial education tools is key to building a stronger future for our communities,” said Silvana Montenegro, Global Head of Advancing Hispanics & Latinos at JPMorgan Chase. “That’s why we are thrilled to support the Foundation via the Latin GRAMMY Master Series to provide the resources and knowledge that our students need to succeed and plan for their future; because their musical dreams shouldn’t come at the expense of their financial wellbeing.”

“Financial literacy is an essential component of art and music education and often takes a back seat to the more creative elements,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “Together with JPMorgan Chase, we have designed the Educación Financiera series to promote conversations and provide resources that enable and strengthen Latin music creators and professionals in the industry along with their families to take charge of their money and future.”

Throughout the year, the Foundation and JPMorgan Chase will host two additional workshops for students, as well as two special virtual sessions for parents, to learn more about financial health topics. Through this series with JPMorgan Chase, the Foundation will continue supporting students with the tools to improve their financial knowledge with confidence and establish financial wellness. This collaboration is part of the ongoing efforts led by JPMorgan Chase to drive inclusive economic growth and close the racial wealth gap for Hispanic, Latino and unbanked and underbanked communities.

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ABOUT CHASE:

Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading financial services firm based in the United States with assets of $3.7 trillion and operations worldwide. Chase serves more than 66 million American households, including 5 million small businesses, with a broad range of financial services, including personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, investment advice, small business loans and payment processing. Customers can choose how and where they want to bank: More than 4,700 branches in 48 states and the District of Columbia, 16,000 ATMs, mobile, online and by phone. For more information, go to chase.com.

ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® in 2014 to further international awareness and appreciation of the significant contributions of Latin music and its makers to the world’s culture. The Foundation provides college scholarships, educational programs and grants for the research and preservation of its rich musical legacy and heritage, and to date has donated more than $7.6 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information, or to make a donation, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on Twitter and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.Alberto@grammy.com

Four-year scholarship providing up to $200,000 in financial aid towards a bachelor's degree at Berklee College of Music and 43 additional scholarships are available to music students with financial limitations

Deadline to Apply: April 10, 2024

Photo courtesy of Erick Fernando Quituizaca. To download please click here.

MIAMI (DECEMBER 14, 2023) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® announced that Latin GRAMMY® winning singer-songwriter Sebastián Yatra will sponsor its prestigious Prodigy Scholarship toward a bachelor’s degree at Berklee College of Music for the 2024 fall semester.

The Foundation's scholarship provides up to $200,000 in financial aid for music students in need. Created nine years ago, it has been co-sponsored by iconic Latin music creators including: Nicky Jam (2023), Sofia Carson (2022), Juanes (2021), Julio Iglesias (2020), Emilio and Gloria Estefan (2019), Carlos Vives (2018), Miguel Bosé (2017), Juan Luis Guerra (2016), and Enrique Iglesias (2015).

“Joining the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation for their annual Prodigy Scholarship is beautiful because I’m part of something that I would’ve wished for as a young kid. One of my big dreams was to study music at Berklee and although my career took a different path which I’m super grateful for, I would’ve loved to have that kind of preparation and knowledge,” said Sebastián Yatra. “I hope that the person who gets this opportunity takes full advantage of the scholarship and enjoys it to the max. I’ll be looking out for applicants that share a lot of heart and sincerity in their art.”

The scholarship announcement comes as a follow-up to the artist’s role as host during the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMYs where he both performed and shared on-air about his enthusiasm for the Foundation, inviting the world to join in and support Latin music education. The Colombian American artist first joined forces with the Foundation in 2019 for Latin GRAMMY In The Schools™ in Miami – an educational experience for middle school and high school music students to learn about the industry from talented Latin artists and music professionals.

Additionally, Gibson Gives – Gibson's philanthropic arm – will sponsor three Tuition Assistance Scholarships of up to $10,000 each, for students pursuing a music education with electric or acoustic guitar as their principal instrument.

Applications for all 44 scholarships available in 2024 are now open and available to music students between the ages of 17 and 25. The additional 43 scholarships available in addition to the Sebastián Yatra Scholarship are as follows:

• Three (3) Gifted Tuition Scholarships of up to $100,000 each will be awarded to students to cover tuition costs towards a four-year bachelor's degree in music starting in fall 2023 at the university of their choice.

• Three (3) Gibson Gives Tuition Assistance Scholarships of up to $10,000 each will be awarded to students pursuing a music education with electric or acoustic guitar as their principal instrument. This is a one-time award that will cover tuition costs over one year (fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters) and includes a Gibson guitar.

• Thirty Seven (37) Tuition Assistance Scholarships of up to $10,000 each will be awarded to students pursuing a degree in music. This is a one-time award that will cover tuition costs over one year (fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters).

To date, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® has awarded 383 scholarships, investing $7.6 million over the last nine years.

“Our scholarships provide more than just funds for college tuition,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®. “The ongoing support we receive from artists such as Sebastián Yatra and our generous sponsors allows us to take it a step further and create meaningful educational and mentoring opportunities for the next generation of Latin music creators.”

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is accepting applications for all 2024 scholarships from Dec. 14, 2023, to April 10, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Click here to review 2024 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.

For information and the latest news, please visit the official Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation website at: www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org

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ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® in 2014 with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. The Foundation provides educational opportunities through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage, and to date has donated more than $9.3 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information, or to make a donation, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org, or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on X and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook.

ABOUT SEBASTIÁN YATRA:

Sebastián Yatra is a leading force in Latin music today. The Colombian-born singer-songwriter has shown there's no limit to his artistry and composition through his hits that explore sounds spanning the Latin genre, including pop, urban, and traditional music influences. Since launching with his debut album Mantra in 2018, Yatra's songs have amassed over 37 billion combined streams across all digital music platforms and 26 RIAA certifications. In 2022, he won two Latin GRAMMY awards, including Best Pop Vocal Album for his third LP Dharma. That same year, "Dos Oruguitas," the song Yatra performed for the Disney movie Encanto, was nominated for an Academy Award and saw him perform the RIAA Platinum single on the Oscar’s stage. In February, Dharma was also nominated for Best Latin Pop Album at the 2023 GRAMMY Awards. Yatra is currently working on his fourth album. His recent hits include "Energía Bacana” which he performed at the Latin GRAMMYs as a co-host this year and "VAGABUNDO," which is certified Latin Platinum in the US. The chart-topping talent has collaborated with a variety of peers including John Legend, Rita Wilson, the Jonas Brothers, Michael Bublé, Ricky Martin, Carlos Vives, Myke Towers, Manuel Turizo, among others.

About Gibson Gives:

For over 130 years, the iconic and leading American instrument brand Gibson has been shaping sound across generations and genres. Gibson, and its charitable arm Gibson Gives believe in the power of music, and that getting instruments into the hands of those with a desire to make music is a life-changing event. Gibson Gives--a 501(c)(3) is committed to making the world a better place by supporting non-profit organizations and programs in their efforts to advance musicians, youth-focused education, music, health, and wellness initiatives. 100% of all donations to and from Gibson Gives go towards giving the gift of music. In the last three years, Gibson Gives has raised over $4.5 million dollars and enabled $46 million in funding for key organizations through product donations and meaningful giving worldwide. For more information, visit: www.gibsongives.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.Alberto@grammy.com

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® and Ford Motor Company Fund joined forces, for a record 28th time, to offer a live educational program and musical instrument donation

For additional images, please click here

Credit: Fernando Leon/ Getty Images for the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation

KANSAS CITY, KS (DECEMBER 5, 2023) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®, in partnership with Latin GRAMMY® winner and founder of the all-woman mariachi band Flor de Toloache Mireya Ramos and Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, invested $40,000 as part of an educational experience that included a donation of musical instruments to J.C. Harmon High School in Kansas City.

This investment in music education marks the 28th time that Ford Motor Company supports a Latin GRAMMY In The Schools™ educational program. The program featured a conversation and performance with vocalist and composer Mireya Ramos, along with a Q&A session with students moderated by acclaimed journalist Irasema Torres.

“I am truly honored and grateful to the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation for inviting me to be a representative of their generous initiative,” said Mireya Ramos. “"We hope that through the gift of these instruments, each student experiences the freedom to dream and create."

The music programs at J.C. Harmon serve underprivileged communities with limited access to

resources. In order to continue growing the program and impacting students’ music education,

instruments coupled with educational experiences are needed. The school will use these instruments to replace outdated ones that are no longer functional. The music programs at J.C. Harmon consist of six different wind and brass ensembles, three string ensembles, and four different choral ensembles and a mariachi ensemble.

"We are so grateful to receive this donation of instruments! Our students are thankful that foundations like the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation exist to support and uplift our underserved communities,” said Weston Cook, Director of Bands at J.C. Harmon High School in Kansas City, Kansas. “The instruments that were graciously donated will be used for the entire music department.”

“As we celebrate the 28th Latin GRAMMY In The Schools with Ford Motor Company Fund, we are grateful for their ongoing partnership, as well as the continued support from artists such as Mireya who join our effort to support the next generation of Latin music creators through unique educational experiences that teach them about the music industry,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®.

Since the beginning of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®'s partnership with Ford Motor Company Fund in 2014, the program has benefited schools in U.S. cities such as Aransas Pass, Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, New York and San Antonio; as well as internationally in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Mexico City, Mexico; Arecibo, Humacao, Yauco, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Latin GRAMMY In The Schools™ is an educational program that informs and connects music students with professionals in the Latin music industry and supports educational music departments that have financial limitations. The Foundation invites artists and professional musicians to visit middle and high schools, or music education institutions to share their personal stories and experiences with students that highlight the effort it takes to overcome career obstacles. The goal is for students to learn to optimize the educational opportunities presented to them, giving them an advantage and strong academic preparation to be able to compete in the music industry.

Previous artists who have participated in the program include: Ángela Aguilar, David Bisbal, Marilina Bertoldi, Miguel Bosé, Calle 13, Pedro Capó, Camilo, Chino & Nacho, Chiquis, Luis Coronel, Silvestre Dangond, Joss Favela, Fonseca, Luis Fonsi, El Fantasma, Becky G, Karol G, Kany García, Gente de Zona, Leslie Grace, Carlos Jean, Jesse & Joy, Natalia Lafourcade, Poncho Lizárraga, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mau y Ricky, Claudia Montero, Ednita Nazario, Christian Nodal, Laura Pausini, Ángel "Cucco" Peña, Prince Royce, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Olga Tañón, Thalía, Christian Serratos, Diego Torres, Carlos Vives, Wisin, and Sebastián Yatra.

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ABOUT MIREYA RAMOS:

Mireya Ramos is a Latin GRAMMY® winning and GRAMMY® nominee vocalist, musician, composer, producer, arranger and founder of Flor de Toloache – New York’s only all women mariachi. Mireya embodies all of her musical influences whether classical, mariachi, salsa, merengue or hip-hop, always creating a unique and refreshing sound. Her versatility, natural improvisational skills and beautiful tone has made her one of the top Latin artists in New York City. She is currently promoting her album featuring the Poor Choices, “Sin Fronteras”. Throughout the album, the musicians deftly blend ranchera and country, sprinkling in pop, jazz, and R&B along the way.

ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® in 2014 with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. The Foundation provides educational opportunities through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage, and to date has donated more than $9.3 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information, or to make a donation, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on X and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook.

About Ford Motor Company Fund

As the global philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, Ford Fund focuses on providing access to essential services, education for the future of work and entrepreneurship opportunities for under-resourced and underrepresented communities. Ford Fund’s partnerships and programming are designed to be responsive to unique community needs, ensuring people have equitable opportunities to move forward. Harnessing Ford’s scale, resources and mobility expertise, Ford Fund drives meaningful impact through grantmaking, Ford Resource and Engagement Centers and employee volunteerism. For more information, visit fordfund.org or join us at @FordFund on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.Alberto@grammy.com

J.C. Harmon High School

Markl Johnson

Markl.johnson@kckps.org

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® and Junta de Andalucía join forces to offer a live educational program

The Foundation provided a musical instrument donation valued at $20,000 ((18.905€)

The President of The Junta de Andalucía, Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla,

the Minister of Tourism Culture and Sports, Arturo Bernal, and the Minister of Education and Professional Development, Patricia del Pozo Fernández, attended the program

For additional images, please click here

Credit: John Parra/Getty Images for the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation

SEVILLA (NOVEMBER 10, 2023) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® and Laura Pausini, Latin GRAMMY® and GRAMMY® winner and 2023 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year™, came together to celebrate music education with future generations of Latin music creators at the Conservatorio Profesional de Música Francisco Guerrero in Sevilla, Spain.

In addition, for the first time, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport of the Regional Government of Andalucía, with co-financing from European Funds, joins as the official sponsor.

The event was attended by the president of the Junta de Andalucía, Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Arturo Bernal, and the Minister of Educational Development and Professional Development, Patricia del Pozo Fernández, among other authorities.

As a global champion of music education that empowers communities all over the world through Latin music and culture, the Foundation is proud to bring the Latin GRAMMY in the Schools™ experience to students in Sevilla. The program featured a Q&A session with students moderated by Spanish RTVE reporter Marc Calderó, and featuring Pausini, along with a performance from the students who paid tribute to popular music from the Italian artist. As part of the educational experience, the Foundation provided a donation of musical instruments valued at $20,000 (€18,905) to the conservatory’s music program.

“I am honored to support the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation in its mission to provide educational opportunities that advance Latin music and its heritage,” said Pausini. “Being able to talk about my experiences in this industry with the next generation of creators is fulfilling and I’m grateful to share my music and all my career has taught me, to pave the way forward.”

The Conservatorio Profesional de Música Francisco Guerrero was established more than 35 years ago to elevate the cultural and musical level of Sevilla through quality musical education that enables students to reach their maximum artistic potential. To date, the school has more than 120 teachers and 1,100 students with 17 different instrumental specialties.

“We at the conservatory are very grateful because this donation will help us expand the musical training of our talented youth, of whom we are so proud and who have been represented in this unforgettable encounter today,” said Carmen González González, director of the conservatory. “Thank you to the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation and the Junta de Andalucía for putting the spotlight on this great group of musicians, and for giving us a wonderful experience with the renowned Laura Pausini, which we will never forget.”

“We express our heartfelt gratitude to the Junta de Andalucía for their invaluable partnership,” said Raquel "Rocky" Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation.

“And we also thank Laura Pausini for her unwavering support and generosity,” continued Egusquiza. “Together, we continue to advance our mission of expanding access and opportunities for the next generation of Latin music creators worldwide.”

“Sevilla and Andalucía have become the world capital of Latin music, with all of its nuances, approaches and diversity of styles, among which Flamenco, the hallmark of our land, will be very present,” said Moreno Bonilla.

Latin GRAMMY In The Schools is an educational program that informs and connects music students with professionals in the Latin music industry and supports educational music departments that have financial limitations. The Foundation invites artists and professional musicians to visit middle and high schools, or music education institutions to share their personal stories and experiences with students that highlight the effort it takes to overcome career obstacles. The goal is for students to learn to optimize the educational opportunities presented to them, giving them an advantage and strong academic preparation to be able to compete in the music industry.

The Foundation has donated more than $790,000 in musical instruments to schools throughout the United States and Ibero-America in support of their music education programs. Since 2014, Latin GRAMMY In The Schools has benefited schools in U.S. cities such as Aransas Pass, Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and New York; as well as internationally in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Mexico City, Mexico; Arecibo, Humacao, Yauco, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Previous artists who have participated in the program include: Ángela Aguilar, David Bisbal, Marilina Bertoldi, Miguel Bosé, Calle 13, Pedro Capó, Camilo, Chino & Nacho, Chiquis, Luis Coronel, Silvestre Dangond, Joss Favela, Fonseca, Luis Fonsi, El Fantasma, Becky G, Karol G, Kany García, Gente de Zona, Leslie Grace, Carlos Jean, Jesse & Joy, Natalia Lafourcade, Poncho Lizárraga, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mau y Ricky, Claudia Montero, Ednita Nazario, Christian Nodal, Ángel "Cucco" Peña, Prince Royce, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Olga Tañón, Thalía, Christian Serratos, Diego Torres, Carlos Vives, Wisin, and Sebastián Yatra.

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ABOUT LAURA PAUSINI:

Laura Pausini is one of the most celebrated performers in Latin music today. She has seamlessly translated the emotion behind her songs into global success in six different languages, including in the Spanish-language market, where she launched her first album in 1994. Pausini has sold over 70 million albums worldwide and is celebrating 30 years in the music industry in 2023. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she has also used her platform to support philanthropic and humanitarian efforts concerning equality for women and LGBTQ+ people, hunger, poverty, climate change, as well as supporting entities that fight violence against women. Pausini has been honored with the Starlite Humanitarian Award, the Global Gift Humanitarian Award, and was named Person of the Year by the Diversity Media Awards for her support of the LGBTQ+ community. In 1995, she wrote and released “Il Mondo che Vorrei/El Mundo Que Soñé” for UNICEF and was named a spokesperson for LILA, Italian League for the fight against AIDS, in 2004. In 2014 she was also named Goodwill Ambassador of the World Food Programme and has organized and participated in concerts that brought relief to areas affected by natural disasters in Chile, Peru, Beirut, and Italy. In 2021, she won a Golden Globe for Best Original Song for “Io sì (Seen)” which she co-wrote with Diane Warren for the film La Vita Davanti a Sé. The song also earned her an Oscar nomination. Last year, she released the Amazon Original film Laura Pausini: Pleased to Meet You. The acclaimed artist launched her studio album Almas Paralelas in Spanish and Italian in October 2023, and will begin an extensive world tour in December, traveling to the most important stages in Europe, Latin America and the United States.

ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® in 2014 with the vision of becoming a global champion of music education and empowering communities through Latin music and culture. The Foundation provides educational opportunities through scholarships, education programs and grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage, and to date has donated more than $9.3 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information, or to make a donation, please visit latingrammyculturalfoundation.org, or our Facebook. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on X and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.Alberto@grammy.com

A four-year scholarship towards a bachelor's degree at Berklee College of Music and 43 additional scholarships are available to music students in need

Deadline to apply is April 10, 2023

Photo courtesy of Gabo Buchelli. For additional images, please click here

MIAMI (DECEMBER 15, 2022) — The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is pleased to announce that Latin GRAMMY® winner Nicky Jam is sponsoring its prestigious Prodigy Scholarship toward a bachelor’s degree at Berklee College of Music starting in the 2023 fall semester.

The scholarship announcement comes as a follow-up to the artist’s performance at the 23rd Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®, alongside Foundation scholarship winners, where he pledged to support aspiring musicians. To view the performance and message, visit: https://www.facebook.com/NickyJamPR/videos/1559535407841920

The four-year namesake Prodigy Scholarship, this year the Nicky Jam Scholarship, was created eight years ago and provides up to $200,000 in financial aid. It has been co-sponsored by the following Latin artists: Sofia Carson (2022), Juanes (2021) Julio Iglesias (2020), Emilio and Gloria Estefan (2019), Carlos Vives (2018), Miguel Bosé (2017), Juan Luis Guerra (2016), and Enrique Iglesias (2015).

“Music has always been there for me; it has been the fuel that has kept me going even during the hardest moments of my life,” shared Nicky Jam. “By providing the Prodigy Scholarship in partnership with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, I get to share my passion for music and give back to the next generation of Latin music makers on their journey to achieving their dreams.”

“When it comes to pursuing a career in music, finances should not be a deterrent to cultivating talent,” said Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza, Executive Director of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “We are grateful for Nicky Jam’s generosity, which makes music education a reality for future generations of Latin music creators and preserves our legacy for years to come.”

In addition, beginning today, the Foundation is accepting applications for all 2023 scholarships, and alongside Nicky Jam, Juan Diego Medina, CEO of La Industria Inc., is also sponsoring one of the Gifted Tuition Scholarships of up to $100,000.

All scholarships are available to music students between the ages of 17 and 25, as follows:

• Three (3) Gifted Tuition Scholarships of up to $100,000 each will be awarded to students to cover tuition costs towards a four-year bachelor's degree in music starting in fall 2023 at the university of their choice.

• Forty (40) Tuition Assistance Scholarships of up to $10,000 each will be awarded to students pursuing a degree in music. This is a one-time award that will cover tuition costs over one year (fall 2023 and spring 2024 semesters).

Each year, the Foundation's Scholarship Committee carefully evaluates applications from a highly competitive pool of aspiring musicians on a variety of skills, along with rigorous requirements that are both academic and artistic in nature. To date, the Foundation has awarded over $7.6 million in scholarships, grants and musical instrument donations through their music education programming, and events worldwide. All scholarships are awarded to exceptionally talented music students, with financial needs, to support their educational and musical aspirations.

To apply, visit www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org. The online application process requires students to submit two audition videos, two letters of recommendation, and an acceptance letter from an accredited university along with two essays. The materials can be submitted in English, Spanish or Portuguese. The deadline to apply is April 10, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

For information and the latest news, please visit the official Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation website at: www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org. If you have any questions after reviewing the guidelines or require assistance with your application, please email LGCF@grammy.com.

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ABOUT NICKY JAM:

Nick Rivera Caminero, known as Nicky Jam, is an icon in the Latin urban genre. The Puerto Rican singer’s unique perspective made him a reggaeton pioneer starting in the 2000s and into the last decade, helping to shape the genre into a global phenomenon. The Latin GRAMMY winner continues to enjoy success with many multi-platinum hits and sold-out world tours adding to his inspiring legacy.

At age 11, Nicky Jam broke into Puerto Rico’s reggaeton scene with his debut album, Diferente a Los Demás (Different From the Rest). In his teenage years he became a rising star in the genre with hits like “Yo No Soy Tu Marido,” “Me Voy Pa’l Party,” “Fiel A Tu Piel” and “La Combi Completa.” He was also part of the duo Los Cangris with another musical pioneer, Daddy Yankee. However, time in prison and a deep depression derailed Nicky Jam’s career soon after.

Three years later, he moved to Colombia with a renewed spirit to reclaim his career. After a 10-year hiatus from the charts, Nicky Jam returned with “Travesuras,” which peaked on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs in 2014 for over 20 weeks. The following year, he scored another global hit, “El Perdón,” with Enrique Iglesias, which won the Latin GRAMMY Award for Best Urban Performance. He had the biggest hit of 2016 with “Hasta el Amanecer.” The songs were featured on his comeback album, 2017’s Fénix, which is credited with reviving global interest in reggaeton music.

Nicky Jam’s songs have achieved more than 14.5 billion views on YouTube and 1.1 billion streams on Spotify. Among his recent hits are the 35-times platinum “X,” with J Balvin, and his collaborative single “Te Boté,” featuring Casper Mágico, Nio García, Darell, Bad Bunny, and Ozuna. In 2019, Nicky Jam turned his inspiring life story into the hit series El Ganador, which he also starred in. He made his big screen debut in Bad Boys For Life alongside Will Smith and Martin Lawrence.

ABOUT THE LATIN GRAMMY CULTURAL FOUNDATION:

The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established by The Latin Recording Academy® in 2014 to further international awareness and appreciation of the significant contributions of Latin music and its makers to the world’s culture. The Foundation provides college scholarships, educational programs and grants for the research and preservation of its rich musical legacy and heritage, and to date has donated over $7.6 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors. For additional information, or to make a donation, please visit www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org , Amazon Smile or our Facebook page. And follow us @latingrammyfdn on Twitter and Instagram, and at Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation on Facebook.

MEDIA CONTACT:

The Latin Recording Academy

Nathalie Alberto

Nathalie.Alberto@grammy.com