African Americans have long been under-represented in the field of classical music, especially with classical vocal performance. Recognizing the scarcity of resources (e.g., connections or preparation for scholarships) available in the United States to advance African American classical vocal students with limited financial means, the Board of Directors has initiated several programs to help address this.

The William Warfield Scholarship Fund provides an annual scholarship for African American vocal students at the Eastman School of Music; and two events that feature our ESM scholarships recipient: the "January Concert at Kilbourn Hall"; and a spring "Annual Scholarship Luncheon." Our newest program, “William Warfield Classical Vocal Competition for African American High School Students”, provides financial support and encouragement to African American students in a multi-state region.