Despite the current hostility in America due to political policies, the music world steps up with a real opportunity for women, trans, and non-binary artists aiming to break into audio engineering and electronic music. The SOPHIE Scholarship Fund—set up by We Are Moving the Needle—offers financial support to those pursuing degrees in this field across the United States. Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000 and cover everything from tuition to studio gear.
This fund carries the name of SOPHIE, an artist whose music didn’t just change sounds—it changed people. SOPHIE’s influence stretched far beyond production credits. She created space for others. Her legacy now lives on through something concrete, something that helps others start careers on their own terms. We Are Moving the Needle has already awarded over $600,000 since 2021, and this fund keeps that momentum going. While this is a US based initiative, it’s still a moment to celebrate for the trans community worldwide.
It’s more than a scholarship. It’s a statement-that trans, non-binary and women artists belong in the studio, behind the desk, shaping the future of sound. And while the fight for space and recognition is far from over, efforts like this show that some doors are being held open-not just talked about.