Lizzo offers $50K scholarship for second year at University of Houston

International music superstar Lizzo is offering a $50,000 scholarship to a University of Houston student for the second consecutive year. The “Sasha Be Flooting Scholarship” was first introduced last year and awarded to a music student in UH’s Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts. This initiative is part of Lizzo’s annual Juneteenth Giveback campaign aimed at uplifting and empowering communities.

The scholarship aims to transform the life of a student majoring in music at the Moores School of Music. Administered by the University of Houston Alumni Association Foundation, it is expected to cover the recipient's tuition throughout their four-year college education.

Lizzo, whose real name is Melissa Jefferson, attended UH on a music scholarship in the mid-2000s and played the flute in the Spirit of Houston marching band. Her flute, named Sasha Flute, has its own Instagram following of 326,000 fans, inspiring the unique name of the scholarship.

Since her time at UH, Lizzo has received numerous accolades including a Primetime Emmy, four Grammys, an NAACP award, a Billboard Music Award, two Soul Train awards, and a BET award.

“Music has been my sanctuary, my therapy and my voice. It has lifted me up during the toughest times and connected me with a community that embraces diversity and individuality,” said Lizzo. “I’m so proud to help talented Black musicians achieve their dreams at the University of Houston. I hope this empowers students everywhere to follow their passion and to make a difference through music.”

Andrew Davis, dean of UH’s McGovern College of the Arts, expressed his gratitude for Lizzo’s generosity. “This scholarship is life-changing and will create opportunities and open doors that will make a lasting impact on a student's life and their journey toward building a successful music career,” said Davis. “Our students draw inspiration from Lizzo’s legacy of unwavering passion, resilience and exceptional musical innovation.”

Lizzo recently spoke with Ugo Obudulu from UH Moores School of Music who was awarded last year's “Sasha Be Flooting” scholarship.