UMG and UCLA Launch Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship to Empower Future Leaders in Black Music
LOS ANGELES, CA – Universal Music Group (UMG) and The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music have announced the creation of the Berry Gordy Music Industry Scholarship, a new endowed fund that will support high-potential students from underrepresented communities studying in UCLA’s Music Industry Program.
This initiative honors Berry Gordy, the legendary founder of Motown Records, whose innovative spirit helped shape global music and elevate Black artistry to new heights. In partnership with The UCLA Foundation, the scholarship builds upon the 2024 launch of the UCLA Berry Gordy Music Industry Center and forms part of UMG’s Sounds of the Future campaign — a multi-pronged initiative designed to invest in Black creativity, equity, and legacy within the music industry.
“Berry Gordy’s name has been synonymous with artistry and the transformative power of music for more than 65 years,” said Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Group. “Through this scholarship, we are investing in the next generation of creators and changemakers who reflect that spirit.”
Each year, one Berry Gordy Scholar will be selected based on exceptional promise and financial need. Recipients will receive financial support toward tuition, housing, and educational costs, while actively participating in the work of the Berry Gordy Music Industry Center — preparing them for leadership roles in the evolving global music business.
“This endowment will open doors for many students and help ensure that music remains a powerful force for good and change,” said Berry Gordy. “I’m proud to support a space that inspires young talent to innovate, inspire, and bring communities together through the power of music.”
Supporting Black Music’s Past, Present, and Future
This new scholarship directly supports the Invest pillar of UMG’s Sounds of the Future campaign, launched in 2023 by its Task Force for Meaningful Change. The campaign seeks to amplify Black creativity, safeguard cultural heritage, and create equitable opportunities in the music business.
In 2025, UMG expanded the initiative with several projects:
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Grassroots Investments in organizations like Roots of Music (New Orleans) and Girls Make Beats (Los Angeles), supporting music education and career pathways.
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Career Immersion Experiences, such as hands-on training with Interscope Records during the Grand National Tour in Chicago.
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An immersive art installation with Brooklyn’s BLK MKT Vintage, exploring the evolution of sampling and Black cultural storytelling at UMG’s Santa Monica HQ.
“This endowment ensures that the next generation of music executives, artists, and entrepreneurs will be equipped to build on Berry Gordy’s legacy,” said Robert Fink, Acting Dean of the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.
The first Berry Gordy Scholar will be selected by the Center’s director and may continue receiving support in subsequent years based on academic performance and financial need.
About the Partnership
The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music is known for its interdisciplinary approach to music education, while UMG remains a global powerhouse in artist development, publishing, and cultural impact. Together, they are creating a long-term pipeline to diversify leadership and amplify innovation in the music industry.
Learn more at universalmusic.com and schoolofmusic.ucla.edu.
SOURCE Universal Music Group N.V.
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Alwin Marshall-Squire is the Editor-in-Chief of S-Q Publications Inc., overseeing editorial strategy for GTA Weekly, GTA Today, and Vision Newspaper. He leads the publications’ mission to deliver bold, original journalism focused on the people and communities of the Greater Toronto Area, Canada, and the global Caribbean diaspora.
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