A. Grace Lee Mims Vocal Scholarship

Purpose: To provide scholarships for African-American vocal students born, reared, or residing in Ohio who are U.S. citizens and pursuing graduate-level study in vocal performance or music education, with an emphasis on voice. Candidates must be committed to preserving the art form of Negro spiritual singing as exemplified by Roland Hayes, Paul Robeson, Marian Anderson, Leontyne Price, Jessye Norman, Kathleen Battle, and others. The primary purpose of this award is to perpetuate the singing of the Negro spiritual through performance and/or teaching, so that this art form, created by African-American slaves in the Diaspora, will remain alive.

Eligibility: Enrolled full time at a recognized and accredited institution (conservatory, college, university, etc.) for graduate-level course work toward a master’s or doctoral degree in vocal performance or music education, with an emphasis on voice, in order to perpetuate the singing of the Negro spiritual through performance and/or teaching

Application method: Submit a Common Application and Basic Requirements through our Scholarship Gateway

Additional/Special requirements for application: In addition to submitting the Common Application and Basic Requirements, applicants must submit the following:

A) Three letters of recommendation from voice teachers or music professors attesting to the applicant’s musical talent, moral character, and dedication to the survival of the Negro spiritual

B) An audio tape or CD of a recent performance (concert or recital) and photo

C) Three music programs reflecting at least a two-year span and including the applicant’s performance of Negro spirituals

D) A personal statement stating where in Ohio you were born, reared, or reside, and describing your commitment to ensure the preservation of the Negro spiritual through your performance or teaching career

E) A detailed budget for your academic year’s educational expenses including scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans

F) A photograph of yourself

Selection process: A panel of judges comprising persons associated with the purpose of the fund will choose scholarship finalists. An in-person interview with the panel of judges is possible.

Award process: The award amount for the academic year is a maximum of $10,000. Awards must be applied to tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for the course. Formal notification of scholarship award will be made by the Cleveland Foundation to the selected recipient(s).