Atlanta University Consortium Launches Third Year of Spike Lee Fellows Program

Atlanta University Center Consortium and Spike Lee's Initiative

The Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC), in collaboration with the acclaimed Oscar-winning director Spike Lee and The Gersh Agency, proudly unveils the third season of the Spike Fellows program. This initiative is not just about creating opportunities; it focuses on ensuring that talented students from institutions like Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College have access to equitable job prospects in the entertainment industry.

This year's cohort of fellows includes students Anwar Karim from Morehouse College and Denver Edmonds and Miya Scaggs from Spelman College. These individuals will embark on a significant journey, participating in an immersive, eight-week paid fellowship experience that takes them to premier locations in New York or Los Angeles. Here, they will engage with industry leaders, gaining invaluable hands-on experience.

Selection criteria for applicants were rigorous, emphasizing aspects such as academic performance (GPA), leadership skills, involvement in school activities, creative contributions, and professional endorsements. The program is designed to harness the creative potential of undergraduates keen on making their mark in the entertainment sector.

Throughout the fellowship, students will rotate through various departments in the agency, benefiting from senior-level mentorship and curated off-site learning opportunities. They will also contribute to community service projects, reinforcing the program's commitment to social responsibility alongside professional development.

Since its inception, the Spike Fellows program has achieved remarkable success, with 100% of participants securing positions in the entertainment field post-fellowship, with major firms like Gersh, Netflix, Warner Brothers, and Range Media. Notably, one of the fellows was inspired to further their education, attending graduate school at the University of Southern California to study Film.

In addition to professional development, the fellows will benefit from collaborative initiatives, such as a partnership with Ralph Lauren, which provides essential business attire, further equipping them for success. They'll also participate in the inaugural Young Black Hollywood Mixer, where they will have the chance to walk the red carpet, a thrilling experience that earned recognition as one of Deadline's Best Red Carpet and Party Photos of 2024.

Dr. Michael Hodge, the Executive Director of the AUCC, expressed enthusiasm about the program's ongoing impact, stating, "The Spike Fellows Program continues to provide an invaluable experience and mentorship for our students who desire impact in the entertainment industry, both in front and behind the camera. Each year, we see a new set of students immersed in the industry, becoming working professionals and aspiring entertainment leaders."

The AUCC, established in 1929, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization representing historically Black colleges and universities. It fosters a vibrant community dedicated to scholarship, service, and civic engagement, amplifying the voices and talents of African American students in higher education. Through initiatives like the Spike Fellows program, the AUCC reaffirms its role as a leader in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the entertainment industry and beyond.