In conjunction with Culture Creators, Warner Music Group is celebrating the success of its inaugural WMG HBCU Immersion Program.
The pioneering WMG HBCU Immersion Program establishes a strong and diversified pipeline of the smartest and brightest HBCU students to help grow the music industry in the years ahead. The lively and effective six-week program prepares HBCU students for a career in the competitive music industry by giving them the knowledge they need to succeed. The WMG HBCU Immersion Program provides students with a full introduction to the music industry, career development advice, and the opportunity to interact with WMG executives.
The WMG HBCU Immersion Program provides a new path for talented young people through the Culture Creators curriculum, which includes five cutting-edge learning modules: A&R, Marketing, Data Science, Business Development, and Administration & Licensing. Weekly live virtual sessions, interactive learning activities, and guest speaker panels will be held for students. Following completion of the program, students will be eligible to apply for a paid position with Warner Music Group’s Summer Emerging Talent Associate Program, which will allow them to apply what they’ve learned and gain hands-on experience at Atlantic Records, Warner Records, Warner Music Nashville, Rhino, Warner Chappell, and WMX. Subsidies for housing will be available to help people relocate to New York City, Los Angeles, or Nashville.
Last month, the inaugural WMG HBCU Immersion Program was completed with resounding success, with 32 students selected from over 150 applicants. Beginning in January 2023, fresh applications for the WMG HBCU Immersion Program will be accepted. Applicants must be a college junior, senior, or graduate student currently enrolled in an approved HBCU who has a strong interest in music. During the six-week program, students must commit to three hours every week. Visit www.wmg.com/hbcuimmersionprogram for additional details.
“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 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.”
