Warner Music Group is celebrating the success of its inaugural WMG HBCU Immersion Program in collaboration with Culture Creators.
The groundbreaking WMG HBCU Immersion Program creates a robust and diverse pipeline of the best and brightest HBCU students to advance the music industry in years to come. The dynamic and impactful six-week program prepares HBCU students for a career in the competitive music industry by providing the knowledge necessary for achieving professional success. Students participating in the WMG HBCU Immersion Program receive a comprehensive introduction to the music business, guidance on career development, and opportunities to engage with WMG leaders.
The WMG HBCU Immersion Program offers a new path for talented young individuals via an insightful, immersive Culture Creators curriculum encompassing five state-of-the-art learning modules: A&R, Marketing, Data Science, Business Development, and Administration & Licensing. Students will participate in weekly live virtual sessions, interactive learning activities, and guest speaker panels. Upon successful completion of the program, participating students will be have the opportunity to apply for a paid position within Warner Music Group’s Summer Emerging Talent Associate Program, allowing them the chance to utilize the knowledge they acquired and gain hands-on experience across Atlantic Records, Warner Records, Warner Music Nashville, Rhino, Warner Chappell, and WMX. Housing subsidies will also be provided to support relocation to one of the following internship locations: New York City, Los Angeles, or Nashville.
The inaugural WMG HBCU Immersion Program concluded last month and proved a tremendous success, with 32 students accepted from over 150 applications. The next WMG HBCU Immersion Program will be open for new applications beginning January 2023. Applicants must be a college junior, senior, or graduate student currently enrolled in an accredited HBCU with a passion and curiosity for the music industry. Students must commit to three hours per week during the length of the six-week program. For more information, please visit www.wmg.com/hbcuimmersionprogram.
“As a proud HBCU alum, I am thrilled about the creation of WMG's HBCU Immersion Program,” says Dr. Maurice Stinnett, WMG, Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “HBCU's are full of talent, brilliance, and creativity -- everything we need in the next generation of leaders in the music industry. I'm so proud to offer this training opportunity in partnership with Culture Creators, which I know will further strengthen the leadership, skills, and innovation of these amazing students.”
“It’s an honor to be able to support the growth of programs within our industry that create hands on learning and give access to real life opportunities,” says Kevin Weaver, President of Atlantic Records. “Through the program we also get to know these young adults personally, giving Warner Music Group the ability to tap into the next generation of future leaders at the ground floor. From here the potential opportunities are truly endless for all. The program is designed and run in close partnership between Talent Acquisition, DEI and business units; a special thank you to Vanessa Joseph, and the teams that put this together. “
“The key to creating an equitable environment for students of color to learn, grow and rise in the music business relies on executives and companies’ willingness to give them access and support,” says Joi Brown, Founder, Culture Creators and Head of Strategic Partnerships, ICM Partners. “The WMG Immersion program provided access, leadership, education and mentorship, not to mention opportunity to intern across all business units. We’re proud to have been co-conspirators in the program and looking forward to our next cohort of students to run through the program.”
ABOUT CULTURE CREATORS
Culture Creators is a powerful and much needed platform that will continue to drive the conversation around the importance of grooming and leading innovators of Black culture. The organization connects cultural pioneers with the new creators of culture via thought leadership, education, and ideation across passion points to ensure substantive influence and growth. Culture Creators was also created to spotlight and amplify the contributions of individuals who have shaped the world’s view of Black culture by providing a platform that engages and celebrates their accomplishments. For more, please visit culturecreators.com.