Young Guru Launches Full-Tuition Scholarship for Roc Nation School Students
On June 30, Grammy‑winning audio engineer Gimel “Young Guru” Keaton announced a bold new scholarship that could reshape the future of the music industry. The award will cover the full cost of a four‑year degree for a student entering the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment at Long Island University (LIU) in the fall of 2026.
Keaton, who directs the school’s Music Technology, Entrepreneurship & Production program, said the scholarship is designed to give a student “incredible education, real‑world experience, meaningful relationships and the tools to shape the future of the industry.” The recipient will receive a year‑long mentorship, shadow Keaton in the campus’s Dolby Atmos‑enabled professional studio, and benefit from one‑on‑one coaching. In addition, the awardee will qualify for the Dean’s Scholars Program, which offers networking and career‑development support.
Founded in 2021 in Brooklyn, the Roc Nation School sits on LIU’s Brooklyn campus and offers bachelor’s degrees in music, sports, entrepreneurship and entertainment. The program has already attracted high‑profile benefactors. In 2022, Keaton himself sponsored a full‑tuition scholarship, and other donors include Grammy‑winning DJ Khaled, Megan Thee Stallion and NBA All‑Star La Melo Ball.
Applications open immediately and will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on July 17, 2026. Eligible applicants must be applying for admission to the Roc Nation School for the Fall 2026 semester. They must submit either a written response or a video no longer than three minutes that explains how they define success, how the scholarship will help them become the best version of themselves, and where they see themselves in ten years.
Keaton’s announcement follows his recent New York Music Month masterclass, “Inside the Mix: Young Guru in the Studio.” Participants witnessed the technical and creative process behind some of the most famous contemporary recordings, underscoring Keaton’s commitment to bridging classroom learning with industry practice.
The scholarship is part of a growing suite of financial aid options at the Roc Nation School. With tuition set at $23,000 per year, the full‑tuition award removes a significant barrier for one student and aligns with the school’s mission to prepare graduates for careers that blend music, technology and business.
The selected student will begin studies in the Fall 2026 semester. No decision has yet been made on the recipient, but the application window remains open until July 17. The scholarship is one of several initiatives that demonstrate the school’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of music‑industry talent.
In summary, Young Guru’s full‑tuition scholarship offers a rare combination of financial support, industry mentorship, and studio access to a student entering the Roc Nation School. Applications close July 17, 2026, and the award will cover four years of tuition, mentorship, and professional development.
