Justin Timberlake has joined forces with James Fauntleroy and Rance "Larrance" Dopson, co-founders of 1500 Sound Academy, to create a scholarship in honor of Nicole Hurst, his late friend and backup singer.

The program will offer two music students the chance to attend the Academy's Industry & Music Fundamentals Program in Inglewood or All Around Musician Program in Taiwan.

“This is an incredible place and I’m so excited to be here—it’s a pathway into the future. I’m super-proud of the academy’s growth, and I can’t wait to hear the next generation of artists from both of these amazing schools,” said Timberlake.

Students can apply through 4/26 for the L.A.-area program of the Nicole Hurst Scholarship here and the Taipei program here. Recipients will be announced 5/12.

Seen below during a visit to the 1500 Sound Academy campus are (center l-r) Timberlake, Fauntleroy, Dopson and students and faculty.