Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing music studies can apply for the DAR Marian Anderson Legacy Scholarship through Jan. 31, with one recipient selected annually for a $5,000 award.

Sponsored by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, the scholarship supports students enrolled or accepted at accredited colleges and universities in the United States who are concentrating in music. Eligible areas include music performance, composition, theory or education according to a news release. Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent used by their institution.

The scholarship honors Marian Anderson, the groundbreaking African American contralto whose artistry and courage helped advance civil rights in the 20th century. Anderson, born in 1897 and raised in Philadelphia, became an international star and a symbol of perseverance after she was denied performance opportunities because of her race, most notably leading to her historic 1939 concert at the Lincoln Memorial.

“This scholarship pays tribute to Marian Anderson’s life, and the Daughters of the American Revolution seeks to honor her legacy through aspiring musicians. Her legacy lives on in others who aim for excellence in musical studies, are committed to their communities, and willing to stand up for what is right,” said Ginnie Sebastian Storage, DAR President General, in the release.

In keeping with Anderson’s lifelong commitment to service, applicants must submit a personal statement describing their humanitarian or volunteer contributions to their community or country. Preference is given to students from the Philadelphia metropolitan area, regardless of where they attend school.

Applications are available at www.dar.org/outreach/education/scholarships. Because references must be submitted through the application system, students are encouraged to request them well in advance of the deadline.

While the scholarship is not automatically renewable, recipients may reapply for consideration each year for up to four consecutive years. Funding is provided through the DAR Marian Anderson Legacy Fund.

More information about Anderson’s relationship with the DAR and the organization’s ongoing efforts to honor her legacy is available at www.dar.org/MarianAnderson.