Scholarship Recipients Break Into Industry

Curb College celebrates inaugural class of Future Leaders Scholarship recipients

The inaugural Future Leaders Scholars networking event was held Wednesday, Jan. 21 in Belmont’s newly-renovated Music Row space. The event was to honor and support recipients of the Curb College Future Leaders Scholarship, an award given to students poised to make a meaningful impact on the future of the entertainment industry. These students were specifically chosen for their character, entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and passion, traits that carry on the legacy that began at Belmont more than 50 years ago. 

“Our goal was for students to have the opportunity to meet and engage with leaders in both the community and the industries they are studying,” said Kellie Meeks, program assistant. “Building those real-world connections is an invaluable part of their professional development.” 

Alongside Curb College faculty, staff and Curb College Advisory Board members, students connected with entertainment professionals including Hall of Fame songwriter Ashley Gorley. 

As students and professionals mingled, they made real connections and sparked genuine conversation. "The event was an amazing opportunity to see strong support from such accomplished alumni and friends of Belmont,” student Bergin Kleis recalled. Kleis, a publishing major and Future Leaders Scholarship recipient, valued the open and welcoming atmosphere of the event. 

“The people that I met were very approachable and eager to hear what I had to say! Getting to make small talk with them made for such a memorable experience.” 

This private networking event will become an annual tradition, building a growing network of emerging leaders equipped with the connections and momentum to enter the entertainment industry.