MIAMI – The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation announced that Latin GRAMMY-winning and GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Noel Schajris will sponsor the 2026 Prodigy Scholarship, also known as the Noel Schajris Scholarship, for the Argentine artist and member of Sin Bandera . The scholarship will support him in pursuing a bachelor's degree at Berklee College of Music, beginning in the fall semester of 2026. The support includes tuition, room and board, and comprehensive services valued at up to $250,000.
The announcement reinforces Schajris's ongoing commitment to developing new talent and shaping the future of Latin music. Throughout his career, the artist has spearheaded mentorship initiatives and actively collaborated with GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY educational programs. His most recent involvement was with Latin GRAMMY En Las Escuelas (Latin GRAMMY In The Schools), held in Memphis, Tennessee, an initiative aimed at bringing music education to student communities.
"Since I was a child, I dreamed of making a living from music. Life and the public have given me a career and the opportunity to express my soul through songs, and that enormous blessing has transformed into the chance for some music lover to experience this incredible opportunity," Schajris stated. "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."
From the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, Executive Director Raquel "Rocky" Egusquiza emphasized the collective impact of these kinds of partnerships. "We continue to be moved by the generosity of artists and members of our music community, as well as their commitment to the legacy of Latin music and its future creators," she noted. "Each year the cumulative impact grows, generating a domino effect of services and dreams fulfilled for both sponsors and creators."
In addition to the Noel Schajris 2026 Scholarship, the Foundation announced that other funding opportunities will be available for music students aged 17 to 25 who face economic limitations and have a clear vocation for Latin music, with studies beginning in the fall of 2026.
For the second year in a row, Berklee College of Music will offer the Emerging Talent Scholarship, a full presidential scholarship developed in conjunction with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, which covers tuition, full fees, the mandatory laptop and software package for first-year students, on-campus housing, and comprehensive services.
Additionally, three Talent Tuition Scholarships, previously announced during Latin GRAMMY Week 2025, will be awarded, each valued at up to $120,000. These scholarships are designed to cover tuition, room and board, and all living expenses for a four-year bachelor's degree at the institution of the recipient's choice.
Among them is the Celia Cruz Legacy Scholarship, which pays tribute to the artistic and cultural influence of the iconic Cuban singer, in the context of the centennial of her birth celebrated in 2025. Also included is the Kany García Scholarship, sponsored by the Puerto Rican artist, a Latin GRAMMY winner, GRAMMY nominee, and honoree as Leading Lady of Entertainment in 2022, intended to support a young Latin music creator. In addition, there is the Manolo Díaz Scholarship, named after one of the Foundation's founding members, and sponsored by Board Member Mireya Blavia, in recognition of his legacy in the music industry.
The program is complemented by Tuition Assistance Scholarships, ranging from $7,500 to $12,500, for students beginning or continuing their studies at accredited music institutions. Bulova will sponsor one of these scholarships, worth up to $10,000, which will include an educational and experiential component during the 27th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards in November 2026.
The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation will accept applications for the 2026 fellowships until April 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. The application process requires two audition videos, two letters of recommendation, two essays, and a letter of acceptance from an accredited university. Materials may be submitted in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.
In its first 11 years of operation, the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation has awarded 477 scholarships and invested more than $12 million in music education, establishing itself as one of the leading platforms for promoting new generations of Latin creators.
