The D’Addario Foundation launched its College Scholarship Fund, thanks to a $200,000 donation from the Rita and Herbert Z. Gold Charitable Trust. To receive college assistance scholarships, students must be actively participating in their community music programs for at least three years, maintain a certain number of class hours, a minimum GPA and mentor in their local community program. Students will be actively involved in choosing a higher education option that works for them and their families; many will represent the first generation in their family to attend college.
“We have spent the last 30 years making it possible for kids to join and participate in music instruction programs in their communities multiple days per week for as long as possible in their education,” said D’Addario Foundation executive director Suzanne D’Addario Brouder. “This scholarship fund allows us to say to our students, ‘not only will we provide you with music education, if you work hard and dedicate yourself to your academics and your music, we will help you pay for college.’ The scholarship fund will cover the soft expenses of college such as books, food and transportation, and does not require a student to declare music as their major.
“Rita and Herbert Gold felt very strongly about arts education, equity and giving back,” D’Addario Brouder added. “We’re honored to continue their legacy and nurture the continued success of a whole new generation of young people.”