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MAC STUDENT AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIP


Write a no-more-than-1000-word essay, or create a 3-minute video, answering the following question:

Choose any current music industry practice that everyone accepts as “just how it works.” Make the case for why it’s actually broken— and propose a realistic alternative.

Don’t be afraid to get creative - we are looking for bold, thoughtful, and forward-thinking students ready to challenge the status quo and shake things up in the music industry.


Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be a current undergraduate student in the United States
  • Be enrolled full-time in an accredited Music, Music Industry or Music Business program
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher

Award Details

Up to five selected recipients will receive:

  • A $1,000 cash scholarship
  • Recognition as a MAC Student Ambassador
  • Access to exclusive resources, content, and educational opportunities
  • The opportunity to represent MAC at their school and engage in peer outreach on key policy issues

Application Timeline

  • Submissions Open: Aug 28, 2025
  • Application Deadline: Nov 1, 2025
  • Recipient Announced: February 2, 2025

Applicant requirements:

  • A written essay (max 1000 words) or video (max 3 minutes) addressing the prompt, submitted to submission form 
  • An unofficial academic transcript
  • An understanding of the prompt, terms and condition, and requirements
  • A creative spirit and willingness to think outside the box!

Applications should be submitted through the official online application form below.

* Denotes required entry.

Questions?

For additional information, contact [email protected].

Why Are We Doing This? 

The Music Artists Coalition is committed to protecting artist rights by advocating from within the industry itself. We believe in preparing the next generation of music professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to shape a more equitable future.

This scholarship serves as a catalyst for learning and leadership, encouraging students to think critically about the structures that govern today’s music landscape. As technology, globalization, and legislation reshape the industry, we aim to inspire young voices to play an active role in that evolution.


Terms and Conditions

The Music Artist Coalition (MAC) is proud to offer a scholarship supporting undergraduate students with a demonstrated interest in entertainment law and policy within the music industry. By participating, applicants agree to the following Terms and Conditions:

1. Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the MAC Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following conditions at the time of submission:

  • Be a current undergraduate student enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university.
  • Remain enrolled as a full-time student through at least Fall 2025 or Spring 2026.
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Have no felony convictions or open criminal charges.
  • Submit a complete application in accordance with the guidelines outlined below.
2. Submission Guidelines
  • Applicants must submit an original essay (maximum 1,000 words) or video (maximum 3 minutes) responding to the prompt provided.
    All written essays must be in English and submitted as a PDF or Word document.
  • Videos must be in English and submitted as a YouTube or Vimeo link (public or unlisted)
  • Submissions must include all required information on the submission form. 
  • Group submissions are not allowed. Only individual submissions will be considered.
  • Each applicant may submit only one entry.
  • All work must be original. Plagiarism or use of AI-generated content without proper disclosure may result in immediate disqualification.
3. Intellectual Property and Usage Rights
  • All submitted content becomes the property of MAC upon submission.
  • By submitting, the applicant grants MAC a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, perpetual license to use, reproduce, adapt, publish, and distribute their submission (in part or in full) for promotional, educational, and advocacy purposes.
  • Submissions may appear in MAC websites, social media, print publications, press materials, and partner communications, with proper attribution to the applicant.
  • MAC may edit submissions for grammar, clarity, or length prior to publication, while preserving the applicant's original intent and meaning.
  • Applicants agree that they will not receive any monetary compensation for the use of their submissions beyond the scholarship award.
4. Selection Process and Award Notification
  • Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of MAC staff and/or external experts with relevant industry experience.
  • Judging criteria include:
    • Originality and creativity
    • Critical insight into the selected industry issue
    • Relevance to music industry law or policy
    • Clarity of expression and strength of argument
    • Feasibility of proposed alternative

  • All decisions are final and made at the sole discretion of MAC.
  • Finalists may be required to participate in a brief virtual interview or provide proof of enrollment.
  • The selected recipient(s) will be notified by email.
  • If the recipient does not confirm acceptance within 7 calendar days, MAC reserves the right to select an alternate recipient.
5. Disbursement of Scholarship Funds
  • Scholarship funds will be disbursed directly to the recipient or to their educational institution, as determined by MAC.
  • Funds must be used for educational purposes (e.g., tuition, fees, books, or related costs).
  • Award recipients may be required to complete a W-9 or equivalent for tax reporting purposes, as scholarship funds may be considered taxable income depending on individual circumstances.
6. Non-Discrimination Policy

MAC is committed to providing equal opportunity for all applicants.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, or any protected class under U.S. law.

7. Privacy and Data Use
  • Personal information collected from applicants will be used solely for the purposes of administering the scholarship.
  • Information will not be shared with third parties except as required by law or with partners helping administer or promote the scholarship.
  • MAC will take reasonable steps to protect applicant data, but cannot guarantee absolute security of information transmitted electronically.
8. Hold Harmless and Liability Waiver
  • By submitting an application, the applicant agrees to release, indemnify, and hold harmless MAC, its board members, officers, staff, affiliates, agents, and partners from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, or expenses arising from participation in this scholarship, submission of content, or acceptance and use of the award.
  • MAC assumes no responsibility for:
    • Late, lost, incomplete, illegible, corrupted, or misdirected submissions
    • Technical failures of any kind (internet, email, server errors, etc.)
    • Content inaccuracies in materials submitted by applicants
9. Reservation of Rights
  • MAC reserves the right to:
    • Modify these Terms and Conditions at any time
    • Cancel or suspend the scholarship if circumstances beyond MAC’s control require it
    • Withhold or revoke an award in the event of academic dishonesty, plagiarism, misrepresentation, or violation of the Terms
  • Applicants will not be notified individually of changes. The most current version will always be posted on MAC’s official website.