The ASCAP Foundation Leiber & Stoller Scholarship for Songwriters
Supporting the next generation of musical talent is crucial, and scholarships play a vital role in making education accessible. One such prestigious opportunity is The ASCAP Foundation Leiber & Stoller Scholarship, designed to recognize and support young songwriters, musicians, and vocalists pursuing a career in music.
Honoring Legendary Songwriters
Established by the legendary songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, this scholarship commemorates their enduring impact on modern music. Known for iconic hits like:
- “Hound Dog”
- “Jailhouse Rock”
- “Stand By Me”
- “Kansas City”
- “On Broadway”
- “Is That All There Is?”
The duo created this award to give back to the community that shaped their legacy.
Scholarship Overview
- Total Award: $10,000 USD over four years ($2,500 annually)
- Disbursement: Directly to the recipient’s educational institution for tuition
- Award Notification Date: September 5, 2025
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
1. Be a high school senior enrolling full-time in a four-year college or university music program during the 2025–2026 academic year.
2. Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or a student holding a valid U.S. student visa.
3. Be a musician, songwriter, composer, lyricist, or arranger who writes original music.
4. Not currently signed to a major publishing, record, or administrative deal (as determined by The ASCAP Foundation).
5. Submit solo-written songs only; co-writes are not accepted.
6. Applicants aged 13–17 must have their parent or guardian submit the application along with a signed parental consent form and photo ID.
Application Timeline
- Application Opens: April 3, 2025
- Deadline to Apply: May 22, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PT
How to Apply
Applicants must be nominated by:
- A school administrator,
- An ASCAP representative, or
- The ASCAP Foundation itself.
Once nominated, applicants must submit:
1. .mp3 file of the original song (English only; ≤ 250MB)
2. PDF lyric sheet with numbered lines and labeled sections (no profanity or derogatory language; exclude the songwriter’s name)
3. Online application form: Apply Here
4. 250-word essay on music career goals and how the scholarship would support them
5. Short biography and a professional headshot
6. School letter verifying enrollment
7. Parental consent form and parent ID (if under 18)
Judging Criteria
A panel of ASCAP-selected judges will evaluate entries based on:
- Music and lyric writing quality
- Artistry and craftsmanship
- Compositional elements
The judges’ decisions, as well as those of The ASCAP Foundation and nominators, are final and binding.
Final Thoughts
This scholarship represents an incredible opportunity to gain not only financial support but also recognition from one of the music industry's most respected foundations. If you're a young, dedicated music creator with a passion for songwriting, this award could be a meaningful step toward your artistic and academic future.
📄 Full scholarship rules and details