HOB Music Forward Foundation Announces Grant, Scholarships

– HOB Music Forward Foundation

House of Blues Music Forward Foundation will establish the first college scholarship for homeless and former foster youth pursuing music industry careers with the help of a $150,000 grant from the Living Legacy Foundation, the private foundation announced.

Music Forward will also launch a new $10,000 national scholarship designed to support youth already in college and studying the music business that have experienced homelessness or been part of the foster care system.

The David Eugene Ballard Scholarship will support fields of study that include live event operations, production, music engineering, music business management and other fields, and becomes the latest in a scholarship portfolio and among programs managed by Music Forward, many of which are made possible in a partnership with Live Nation.

“Music Forward helps youth navigate the music industry, learn music business strategies, and develop the knowledge and confidence for a career in the industry, both on and off the stage,” according to the foundation’s announcement. “In 25 years the Foundation has impacted over 1 million young lives and invested $25 million in transformational programs for youth from underserved communities.”

The Living Legacy Foundation grant supports industry-focused programs and services throughout Southern California and is expected to double its impact on youth from underrepresented communities and reach some 4,500 youth in 2019 and beyond, according to a statement. Music Forward also provides free educational and employment programs that connect youth to professions in the music industry.

“We are deeply honored and grateful to receive this generous, first-time support from the Living Legacy Foundation,” said Nurit Smith, executive director of Music Forward Foundation. “This grant establishes a truly distinctive scholarship program targeting our most vulnerable young people and will increase the scope of Music Forward’s work.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Music Forward to create the new David Eugene Ballard Scholarship and support the Foundation’s initiatives,” said Alisha Ballard, vice president and executive director of Living Legacy Foundation. “This life-changing scholarship offers crucial financial support for homeless and former foster youth pursuing careers in the music industry.”

Applications for the David Eugene Ballard Scholarship will be accepted through March 31 must be submitted online through the Music Forward website. Scholarship recipients will be announced in May.