The Porgy & Bess Music Scholarship was established by the Board of Directors of the Catfish Row Company with proceeds from Charleston productions of Porgy & Bess. The scholarship is for African-American students who have lived in Berkeley, Charleston or Dorchester counties for five or more years, and who will be majoring in music or music education. Students bound for or in college may apply.

Average award: $1,000-$2,000

Criteria for eligibility

  • Applicants must be African-American students who have lived in Berkeley, Charleston or Dorchester counties for five or more years, and who will be majoring in music or music education. Students bound for or in college may apply from year to year.

Application process and schedule

  • Applications can be completed online beginning mid-January. Each applicant will only complete one application and the online system will automatically pair you with scholarships for which you are eligible. The deadline for all applications to be submitted, including letters of recommendation, is mid-March. All applicants will be contacted regarding their application status by early July.  Specific deadlines can be found on our scholarship portal each year, which can be accessed through the “Apply” button on our Scholarships for Current High School Seniors page.