Spotify grants five multi-year scholarships to Spelman student creators 

Spotify has revealed its commitment to fostering opportunities for students by awarding multiyear scholarships to five incoming Spelman College freshmen as part of its NextGen audio program. 

This initiative, aimed at enhancing college students’ access to resources and opportunities in the realm of audio media, reflects Spotify’s dedication to supporting the academic and professional growth of young talent.

Initially launched at three predominantly white institutions, the NextGen audio program expanded to include Spelman College last fall, marking Spelman as the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to collaborate with Spotify through this program. 

The five recipients of the scholarships are Rokiyah Darbo, Bailey Johnson, Tellisa Massey, Taylor Mills, and Ashley Rawls. They were chosen based on their demonstrated interest in creating audio-based content for podcasting, music production, and storytelling.  

Each of these students will receive $10,000 to contribute to their tuition for the remaining three years of their undergraduate studies at Spelman. In addition to the financial support, these scholars will be invited to serve as ambassadors for Spotify.

Kristin Jarrett, Spotify’s equity and impact lead, emphasized the program’s aim of nurturing a new generation of Black content creators. The goal is to provide aspiring storytellers with the necessary tools and resources to develop their skills in podcasting and audio content creation, ultimately fostering greater accessibility to careers in the audio industry. 

The scholarship initiative is just one facet of Spotify’s partnership with Spelman College. Future plans involve establishing a professional podcasting space on Spelman’s campus, extending internship opportunities to students within the company, and announcing a second HBCU NextGen partner in the coming fall. Spotify’s dedication to education, diversity, and fostering talent is clearly evident through these initiatives.