The Mockingbird Foundation has partnered with the Vermont Student Assistance Corp. (VSAC) to launch The Mockingbird Foundation Music Scholarship. Funded entirely by Phish fans, this scholarship will help Vermont students seeking to pursue an undergraduate degree in music or music education.
The Mockingbird Foundation is a nonprofit created in 1996 by fans of Phish to raise money for children’s music education. The organization has grown immensely since then, but still remains in the hands of devoted Phish fans. “Phish has always been about community—the way a gathering of strangers becomes something bigger through music,” said Ellis Godard of The Mockingbird Foundation. “This scholarship lets that community give something back that is bigger than all of us: support for Vermont students to pursue music education and carry that spirit forward into classrooms and communities of their own—forever.”
Phish holds a special place in Vermonters’ hearts, as the band got their start as four students at University of Vermont in 1983. They have had an incredibly successful career with over 15 studio albums and years spent on the road. The Mockingbird Foundation was created fully independent of the band and their management, but “phans” channeled their passion for music and community into impactful work. Scott Giles, VSAC President and CEO, noted, “Phish fans will now be able to directly help students in Vermont who share a passion for music. VSAC is delighted to help support generations of learners who share fans’ enthusiasm for the power of song.”
Applications for The Mockingbird Foundation Music Scholarship are now open. Successful applicants will demonstrate the core values of the foundation, which include commitment to excellence, innovation, academic achievement, and service to others. Current students who show financial need and are in their sophomore, junior, or senior year of college, enrolled at least three-quarter time, are eligible to apply.
Required application documents include VSAC’s Unified Scholarship Application, FAFSA, an essay, a letter of recommendation from a person who is not a relative, a letter of recommendation detailing community service, and a transcript. Students will be selected based on their essays, financial need, recommendation letters, and academic achievement. The number of scholarships and award amount will be determined annually.
Click here for more information on The Mockingbird Foundation Music Scholarship.
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