Howard University Joints with Amazon Studios to Launch Howard Entertainment

(Press Release Power) Today, Howard University and Amazon Studios announced the launch of Howard Entertainment, a program designed to specialize the entertaining industry by creating a pipeline for African-American students and other relegated populations to train and study along with entertaining executives. The experience will offer students an exclusive interdisciplinary prospectus, coupled with hands-on work experiences and networking with Amazon's industry partners. The program will arise in January 2020.

œThe vision of Howard Entertainment is to offer a one-of-a-kind experience for students interested in all features of entertainment, from project green lighting to PR and marketing, to entertainment law and finance, said President Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA. œThis relationship aligns with Howard's strategic goals of enhancing academic excellence and inspiring new knowledge. Collaborating with Amazon Studios will enable us to marry academia and industry exertions to build a robust workforce of diverse entertainment industry leaders. With Howard's proven track record of developing some of Hollywood's most notable actors, comedians and musicians, this next-level collaboration will enable us to have an even greater impact.

The Howard Entertainment program is an immersive two semester understanding located in Los Angeles, California that offers Howard University students the opportunity to take academic courses during the spring semester and participate in a fellowship embedded in the entertainment industry during the summer semester. The coursework will be applied toward the student's graduation requirements and the fellowship provides much needed hands-on experience and an opportunity to make invaluable networking connections.

œAmazon Studios has been at work to create new alleyways into the industry for talented students of all backgrounds and we are proud to team with Howard on this new program supporting aspiring entertainment leaders said Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios. œAs we strive to delight our Prime Video customers, we're ensuring there are diverse perspectives and experiences around the table to help us make the best decisions in all aspects of the business.

Latasha Gillespie, Amazon Studio's Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion said: œThis program is all about intentionality “ being intentional about increasing and preparing the next generation of African American, Latinx and Native American storytellers, casts, crew, and executives working on these projects.

Students will have to involve in a competitive process to be selected for the program. To qualify, students must be enrolled as a Howard A university student must be an upperclassman or graduate student and will have to complete an application and interview to be considered for the program. Students will be taught by Howard faculty who will be supported by Amazon Studios employees and other industry professionals invited by Amazon. This model will provide the opportunity for students to be engaged in projects that offer œreal world application and will help students develop œwork ready skills prior to graduating. Additionally, students will benefit from an innovative application of academic coursework, and also hone entrepreneurial skills through the project-based approach. Participating schools or colleges at the university will provide additional details on the program and competitive application process at future town hall meetings.

The program kickoff is being declared today during Howard University's Homecoming celebration week. Amazon Studios is the lead sponsor of this year's Yearly Yardfest, the popular concert series, which throughout the years has featured talents such as Drake, Ludacris, Slick Rick and Rick Ross.

Students who wish to apply for admission into the first regiment can contact HowardEntertainment@howard.edu.

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