Next Wave Initiative

The Lorraine Hansberry Writing Scholarship A scholarship payment of $1,959 honoring 1959, the year Lorraine Hansberry made history as the first African-American playwright to debut on Broadway with A Raisin in The Sun. This scholarship is granted to a promising Black artist pursuing a career in Literature, Creative writing, Theatre or Screenplay writing. The Spike Lee Directing Scholarship A scholarship payment of $1,986 honoring 1986, the year Spike Lee made his directorial debut with She's Gotta Have It. This scholarship is granted to a promising Black artist pursuing a collegiate education in direction for stage or screen. The Hattie McDaniel Acting Scholarship A scholarship payment of $1,940 honoring 1940, the year Hattie McDaniel became the first Black actor to win an Oscar award for her performance in Gone with The Wind. This scholarship is granted to a Black actor/actress pursuing theatre or film acting on the collegiate level. The Alvin Ailey Dance Scholarship A scholarship payment of $1,958 honoring 1958, the year Ailey founded his Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. This scholarship is granted to a Black artist pursuing dance on the collegiate level. The Black Excellence Impact Award A prize of $1,000 awarded to a Black collegiate artist who's used their art to impact their community. DEVELOPMENT WING The First Burp Grant- This grant is awarded to a new play or musical written by a Black artist that has yet to be produced. The grant of $1,000 goes directly towards funding the first 29 Hour reading presentation of said new work.