VyStar Credit Union Introduces Inaugural Scholarship for
Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra
JACKSONVILLE, FL— VyStar Credit Union announces the new VyStar Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra (JSYO) Scholarship. The four-year scholarship is part of the celebration of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra’s 75th anniversary. The VyStar JSYO Scholarship will empower one student to complete a Bachelor of Science Music Education, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor or Arts Administration, commencing Fall 2026. The scholarship covers 120 credit hours at a Florida public college or university and has been achieved in partnership with the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
“We believe in the transformative power of the arts to shape lives and communities,” said VyStar SVP/Foundation President Patricia McElroy. “By supporting students who are dedicated to pursuing careers in music through the VyStar Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra Scholarship, we are investing in the future of our cultural landscape. We are excited to see these talented individuals grow and contribute to the vibrant arts scene in Northeast Florida.”
The scholarship is directed at students who show an interest in music and are part of the JSYO which serves more than 230 young musicians from all over the region through six levels of ensembles – two full orchestras and four levels of string ensembles – that vary by repertoire and technical advancement. The JSYO Season begins in September and ends in mid-May.
“This scholarship represents more than financial support – it is a symbol of opportunity, equity and the belief that music education can transform lives,” said Dr. Marianne Rice, Vice President of Music Education & Community Impact at the Jacksonville Symphony. “We are deeply grateful to VyStar for making it possible for a deserving student to pursue their dream and to elevate the role of music in shaping a brighter future for our community.”
Members of JSYO who are rising high school seniors will have the opportunity to apply for the scholarship, which will be awarded in the Fall of 2025. Applicants must be Florida residents and must have a Social Security Number. The JSYO hold competitive auditions each spring to form its membership for the following school year.
The scholarship is the result of a shared vision among community partners committed to expanding access to higher education and fostering future leaders in the arts. By combining resources and expertise, VyStar and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation are creating meaningful pathways for talented students to achieve their goals.
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About VyStar Credit Union
VyStar Credit Union is the second-largest credit union headquartered in Florida, with 78 full-service?branches across Florida and Georgia, 1 million members and?assets of over $14 billion. VyStar is the top mortgage lender in Northeast Florida and a major employer in the region with over 2,300 employees across the communities it serves. VyStar membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the 49 contiguous counties of Central to North Florida, 29 Georgia counties, and past and present military members and their families all over the world. VyStar members have access to 55,000 surcharge free ATMs worldwide. For more information, visit vystarcu.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn.
About Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra
The Jacksonville Symphony is North Florida’s leading nonprofit performing arts organization offering live performances in Jacoby Symphony Hall at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts and other venues throughout the area. Led by President and CEO Steven Libman and Music Director Courtney Lewis, the Jacksonville Symphony reaches over 165,000 individuals through over 95 performances each season. In addition, the Symphony provides musical instruction for youth and operates the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestras.