GRUNDY COUNTY, TN (December 17, 2025) — The Caverns, the Grundy County live music venue renowned for its underground concerts, is establishing a four-year scholarship for a Grundy County resident pursuing a degree in Recording Industry at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU).
The Caitlin Curry Scholarship funded by The Caverns—administered through the South Cumberland Community Fund—will provide one student $12,500 per year for up to four years, totaling $50,000. Eligible students must be residents of Grundy County at the time of application and be accepted into MTSU’s Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment pursuing a degree through the Department of Recording Industry with an emphasis in audio production, music business, or commercial songwriting. Interested students should submit their application and an essay through the South Cumberland Community Fund’s website. The scholarship will be available to a new student when the previous recipient’s eligibility expires.
“At The Caverns, we believe music can change lives and strengthen communities,” said Todd Mayo, owner of The Caverns.“This scholarship gives a young person from Grundy County the chance to learn the business side of music and pursue a meaningful career in the industry.”
MTSU’s Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment’s Recording Industry Department is nationally recognized for its programs in audio production, music business, and commercial songwriting. A representative from MTSU noted that partnerships like this one help bridge the gap between education and opportunity.
“Todd Mayo and The Caverns have long offered learning opportunities for Tennessee music lovers, supporters, and MTSU students working at and attending music events,” said Michelle Conceison, chair of the Department of Recording Industry at Middle Tennessee State University’s Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment. “It comes as no surprise that The Caverns would make such a principled investment in music's future.”
The scholarship honors the legacy of Caitlin Curry, daughter of historian and part-time Grundy County resident David Curry. David Curry led the effort to save, protect, and restore the historic Highlander Folk School in Grundy County, work that helped secure the site’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
“It’s an honor to have Caitlin’s name attached to a scholarship that will create new opportunities for a young person from Grundy County,” said David Currey. “She loved music, and I’m grateful that my friend, Todd Mayo, and The Caverns are creating this scholarship in her memory that will support someone working toward a future in the music industry. Caitlin never got that opportunity.”
The scholarship will be managed by the South Cumberland Community Fund, which supports initiatives that strengthen communities across the South Cumberland Plateau.
“This partnership reflects what we value most—collaboration, opportunity, and a commitment to local talent,” said Tom Sanders, executive director of the South Cumberland Community Fund. “The Caverns’ investment will echo for generations by supporting education and creative growth in our region.”
Interested applicants can TheCaverns.com/CurryScholarship.