Colombian-born singer and actress Sofia Carson said she is "honored" to sponsor this year's Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation's Prodigy Scholarship to promote young Latin music talent through education. The $200,000 scholarship will allow a young Latino to study for four years at Berklee College of Music for a bachelor's degree in music. 

At a press conference, Carson invited young Latinos to register starting on Jan. 18, until April 10 to participate in the contest, which is called the "Sofia Carson Scholarship," is co-sponsored by the actress, and will be awarded to a student between 17 and 25-years-old interested in Latin music.

The singer-songwriter said she grew up listening to Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan, Shakira, Mocedades and Mecano, and emphasized that Latin rhythms capture the heart and soul, and that is why this music "triumphs on the global stage."

On Jan. 18, the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation announced three Talento scholarships for tuition and another 40 for grants at other universities. Carson also pointed out that they are grants for "students with exceptional talent and financial need" and to "invest in the future creators of Latin music around the world."

The singer acknowledged that she hopes that this year's scolarship will go to a young woman who wants to follow her musical dreams. For its part, the organization expressed the same goal.

"Both Sofia and the Foundation are hopeful that this co-sponsorship will inspire women who desire a professional music career," it said in a statement. 

The president of the Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation, Tanya Ramos-Puig, highlighted Carson's generosity. 

"It inspires us to see talented young people helping others and paving the way for future creators," she said.