ArtistDirect News
Young Guru Announces Full-Tuition Scholarship for Roc Nation School of Music Students
Gimel “Young Guru” Keaton, a Grammy‑winning audio engineer and producer, announced on June 30 that he will fund a full‑tuition scholarship for a student enrolling in the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment at Long Island University (LIU). The award is aimed at applicants who plan to begin studies in the Fall 2026 semester.
Keaton, who directs the school’s Music Technology, Entrepreneurship & Production program, said the scholarship is intended to give a student the resources to pursue a career in the music industry. The recipient will receive full tuition for four years, the chance to shadow Keaton throughout the academic year, and one‑on‑one studio time in the school’s Dolby Atmos‑enabled professional studio. In addition, the student will be eligible for the Dean’s Scholars Program, which offers professional mentoring, networking opportunities and career‑development programming.
Applications are open until 11:59 p.m. ET on July 17, 2026. Eligible applicants must be seeking admission to the Roc Nation School for the Fall 2026 semester and must submit either a written response or a video of up to three minutes. The submission should explain how the applicant defines success, how the scholarship will help them become the best version of themselves, and where they see themselves in ten years.
Keaton emphasized that education and mentorship are central to his work. "Education and mentorship have always been at the heart of everything I do," he said. "This scholarship is about creating opportunities for the next generation of music industry professionals. I want these students to not only receive an incredible education, but also gain real‑world experience, build meaningful relationships and leave prepared to shape the future of our industry."
The Roc Nation School opened its doors in 2021 on LIU’s Brooklyn campus. It offers undergraduate degrees in music, music technology, entrepreneurship & production, and sports management. Since its launch, the school has attracted a range of scholarships from high‑profile figures. In addition to Keaton’s 2022 full‑tuition award, the program has received scholarships from Grammy‑winning musician and entrepreneur DJ Khaled, Grammy‑winning artist Megan Thee Stallion, and NBA All‑Star La Melo Ball.
Keaton’s announcement follows his recent New York Music Month masterclass, "Inside the Mix: Young Guru in the Studio," where participants observed the technical and creative processes behind some of the industry’s most famous recordings. The masterclass highlighted Keaton’s experience working with artists such as Jay‑Z and Kanye West, and underscored his commitment to training the next generation of audio professionals.
The scholarship adds to a growing list of financial support options at the school. Students who receive the award will begin their studies in the Fall 2026 semester and will have access to the school’s state‑of‑the‑art facilities, industry‑focused curriculum, and a network of alumni and industry partners.
The Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment is part of the larger Roc Nation brand founded by Jay Z in 2008. The school is a partnership between Roc Nation and LIU, and it has been recognized as a top music business school in the United States. The scholarship program reflects the school’s mission to combine academic rigor with real‑world industry experience.
Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and submit their responses by the July 17 deadline will be considered for the scholarship. The selection process will evaluate the applicant’s vision for success, the potential impact of the scholarship on their career, and their long‑term goals.
The full‑tuition scholarship is one of several initiatives aimed at reducing financial barriers for students pursuing careers in music and entertainment. By providing comprehensive support—tuition coverage, mentorship, and studio access—Keaton and the Roc Nation School are positioning the next generation of industry professionals for success.
The scholarship will be awarded to a student who will start their studies in Fall 2026, and the award will cover tuition for the entire four‑year program. The recipient will also benefit from the Dean’s Scholars Program, which offers additional professional development resources.
In summary, Young Guru’s scholarship provides a significant financial and mentorship opportunity for students entering the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment. The award aligns with the school’s commitment to preparing students for careers in music, sports, entrepreneurship, and entertainment, and it continues the tradition of high‑profile industry figures supporting music education.
Keaton, who directs the school’s Music Technology, Entrepreneurship & Production program, said the scholarship is intended to give a student the resources to pursue a career in the music industry. The recipient will receive full tuition for four years, the chance to shadow Keaton throughout the academic year, and one‑on‑one studio time in the school’s Dolby Atmos‑enabled professional studio. In addition, the student will be eligible for the Dean’s Scholars Program, which offers professional mentoring, networking opportunities and career‑development programming.
Applications are open until 11:59 p.m. ET on July 17, 2026. Eligible applicants must be seeking admission to the Roc Nation School for the Fall 2026 semester and must submit either a written response or a video of up to three minutes. The submission should explain how the applicant defines success, how the scholarship will help them become the best version of themselves, and where they see themselves in ten years.
Keaton emphasized that education and mentorship are central to his work. "Education and mentorship have always been at the heart of everything I do," he said. "This scholarship is about creating opportunities for the next generation of music industry professionals. I want these students to not only receive an incredible education, but also gain real‑world experience, build meaningful relationships and leave prepared to shape the future of our industry."
The Roc Nation School opened its doors in 2021 on LIU’s Brooklyn campus. It offers undergraduate degrees in music, music technology, entrepreneurship & production, and sports management. Since its launch, the school has attracted a range of scholarships from high‑profile figures. In addition to Keaton’s 2022 full‑tuition award, the program has received scholarships from Grammy‑winning musician and entrepreneur DJ Khaled, Grammy‑winning artist Megan Thee Stallion, and NBA All‑Star La Melo Ball.
Keaton’s announcement follows his recent New York Music Month masterclass, "Inside the Mix: Young Guru in the Studio," where participants observed the technical and creative processes behind some of the industry’s most famous recordings. The masterclass highlighted Keaton’s experience working with artists such as Jay‑Z and Kanye West, and underscored his commitment to training the next generation of audio professionals.
The scholarship adds to a growing list of financial support options at the school. Students who receive the award will begin their studies in the Fall 2026 semester and will have access to the school’s state‑of‑the‑art facilities, industry‑focused curriculum, and a network of alumni and industry partners.
The Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment is part of the larger Roc Nation brand founded by Jay Z in 2008. The school is a partnership between Roc Nation and LIU, and it has been recognized as a top music business school in the United States. The scholarship program reflects the school’s mission to combine academic rigor with real‑world industry experience.
Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria and submit their responses by the July 17 deadline will be considered for the scholarship. The selection process will evaluate the applicant’s vision for success, the potential impact of the scholarship on their career, and their long‑term goals.
The full‑tuition scholarship is one of several initiatives aimed at reducing financial barriers for students pursuing careers in music and entertainment. By providing comprehensive support—tuition coverage, mentorship, and studio access—Keaton and the Roc Nation School are positioning the next generation of industry professionals for success.
The scholarship will be awarded to a student who will start their studies in Fall 2026, and the award will cover tuition for the entire four‑year program. The recipient will also benefit from the Dean’s Scholars Program, which offers additional professional development resources.
In summary, Young Guru’s scholarship provides a significant financial and mentorship opportunity for students entering the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment. The award aligns with the school’s commitment to preparing students for careers in music, sports, entrepreneurship, and entertainment, and it continues the tradition of high‑profile industry figures supporting music education.