Swan & Sparrow Scholarship is a fund at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia

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Swan & Sparrow Scholarship is a fund at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia

Apply for The Swan & Sparrow Scholarship Today

The Swan & Sparrow Scholarship was founded in memory of famed songstress Leslie Richardson, who passed away suddenly in July 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. She was a music vocalist who excelled in her field, performing for people across the world for many years. We created this program to help the next generation of music lovers to succeed in the same way as Leslie did. Our scholarship is $3000 and is available to a freshman who is attending a historically black college or university. Learn about who is eligible below.

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Jordyn Packer Receives Swan & Sparrow Scholarship 

Jordyn Packer, 17 of Lorton, Va., is the inaugural winner of the Leslie Richardson Memorial Swan & Sparrow Scholarship. The scholarship, which is administered by the Community Foundation of Northern Virginia, is given annually to a high school senior from Washington, D.C.; Virginia; or North Carolina who plans to attend a historically or predominantly black college or university (HBCU) to study music. Ms. Packer will attend Howard University’s College of Fine Arts this fall. “I just honestly feel this overwhelming sense of gratitude that [the scholarship committee] saw something special in me,” said Packer. “For a long time, I thought that maybe, especially my sophomore and freshman year … I felt like I was being too naïve in what I wanted to do, and this scholarship affirmed that, yes, this is it. It is really, really good feeling.” 

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Photos courtesy of Jordyn Packer

Application requirements

DEADLINE TO APPLY: March 29, 2024

  • Students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher
  • Students must have been accepted into an HBCU
  • Students must be high school seniors or a College Freshman from Washington, D.C.; Virginia; North Carolina; or Upstate South Carolina
  • Students must be already enrolled or entering his/her freshman year to study musical performance, jazz studies, or choral conducting at an accredited HBCU
  • Students must submit an audition video
  • Students must submit two reference letters. One from their music instructor and another from the school (on school letterhead.)
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Apply now

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QUALIFICATIONS: Applicant must be a senior in a in a high school in Washington D.C., Virginia, North Carolina, or Up State of South Carolina or home schooled and has achieved the standards for graduation set by the town of residence.

  • REQUIREMENTS:


    1. Completed application form postmarked no later than Feb. 20th 2023.

    2. Personal statement of no more than 500 words addressing your personal and professional goals, experience and repertoire (if applicable). Word count on statement must be provided.

    3. Two letters of recommendation. One from your current school and one from your music instructor (original on school letterhead.) 

    4. Copy of driver’s license or high school or College ID.

    5. Official transcript of high school grades.

    6. Provide a link to your performance.

    Failure to comply with the above requirements will result in disqualification

    If you have any questions or for further information, please email:

Contact us if you have any questions about applying to our scholarship program.

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