The Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation is proud to celebrate its 10th anniversary of supporting Latin music students as they pursue their musical dreams. Over the past decade, we’ve been honored to help nurture the next generation of Latin music talent, providing resources that give students the opportunity to thrive in their musical careers.

Our mission is simple yet profound: to be a global champion of music education and empower communities through Latin music and culture. The Foundation provides educational opportunities through scholarships, educational programs and research and preservation grants that advance Latin music and celebrate its rich cultural heritage. To date, we’ve donated more than $10 million with the support of The Latin Recording Academy’s members, artists, corporate sponsors and other generous donors.

At the heart of our work is a deep belief in the value of music education. It’s clear that music plays a vital role in the development of well-rounded individuals, and it’s not just for those who dream of becoming professional musicians. While many students are gifted musicians, all students benefit from music education. Music enhances cognitive abilities, improves academic performance (especially in math), fosters teamwork, builds discipline, and boosts self-confidence. In short, the skills gained through music classes extend far beyond the classroom. You’ll read the inspiring story of one such student below.

In younger children, music education helps develop the brain’s processes for mastering language skills. A University of Toronto study found weekly voice and piano lessons for 6-year-olds increased IQ. Research has shown greater neural activity in the brains of children who study music compared to those who don’t. And a recent University of Southern California investigation showed that studying music was actually beneficial to mental health in adolescent students.

For those of us involved in music, who love and it and live it every day, these findings seem almost intuitive. Despite this, music education seems to be perpetually under threat. Music and arts classes are often first on the chopping block when school funding gets stressed. At the Latin GRAMMY Foundation, we aim to support music education through various initiatives.

We offer several hands-on programs for students. Our Latin GRAMMY In The Schools program connects music students with professionals in the Latin music industry and supports educational music departments that have financial limitations through music instrument donations. The Latin GRAMMY Master Series offers high school and college music students lectures and conferences with talented and experienced musicians and business professionals from all areas of the industry.

We offer mentorship programs such as the Leading Ladies of Entertainment Connect TogetHER, specifically aimed at bridging the gender gap within the entertainment industry. These programs offer established female music creators a vehicle to pay it forward and help accelerate opportunities for future generations.

Our Latin Music Research and Preservation Grants program supports nonprofit organizations, musicologists, and researchers around the world who are enhancing and preserving Latin Music heritage. And along with the support of generous partners, we provide valuable scholarships to music students globally providing opportunities to the next generation of Latin music creators. Through our Tuition, Gifted Tuition and Prodigy Scholarships, we have awarded more than $8 million dollars so music students can master their craft and become talented contributors to Latin music culture.

One such success story is Nicolle Horbath. In 2018, Nicolle was awarded our Prodigy Scholarship, generously supported by Carlos Vives, 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year, Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY winner. That support allowed her to attend Berklee College of Music. She has since released several EPs and singles of authentic and honest genre-bridging music. Her hard work and dedication to her craft resulted in two Latin GRAMMY nominations for the 25th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards in the categories of Best New Artist and Best Singer-Songwriter for her album De Magia Imperfecta.

Nicolle’s story is a testament to the possibilities created by our scholarships and mentoring programs, and I offer her the heartfelt congratulations of all of us at the Latin GRAMMY Foundation.

You can also be a part of what we do and support future generations of Latin music creators like Nicolle. Join our efforts at www.latingrammyculturalfoundation.org/en/donate. It’s through the participation of people who love Latin music and are committed to empowering future generations of creators and preserving its legacy that we can continue to do this valuable work.

Raquel “Rocky” Egusquiza is Executive Director, Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation.

Caption for woman dancing: Nicolle Horbath singing at Best New Artist Showcase

Caption for group: Latin GRAMMY In The Schools Miami with Carlos Vives

Photos: Getty Images for The Latin Recording Academy