BSU Makes History as First and Only HBCU with A+E Networks Apprenticeship Program

Students to Learn With Media Industry Leaders

 

MEDIA CONTACT: David Thompson, dlthompson@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4311

(BOWIE, Md.) – Ten Bowie State University students will make history – maybe even the History Channel – if they are selected to participate in the first BSU A+E Networks Apprenticeship program, designed to give students virtual, real-life experience in several content areas, such as entertainment, production and communications. This is the first A+E apprenticeship program ever offered and the organization selected BSU, Maryland’s first HBCU, to participate.

A+E Networks is a global multi-platform media company comprising some of the biggest brands in entertainment, including A&E, the HISTORY Channel and Lifetime. The company was recently named one of the country’s best midsize employers by Forbes for the second consecutive year.

The apprenticeship program will begin this fall and end in spring 2023. Students must apply by May 6 to the BSU A+E Networks Apprenticeship program.

To qualify students must:

• Be a junior or senior currently attending BSU as an undergraduate
• Have a passion for media.
• Commit to participating in the apprenticeship program for both the Fall 2022 and Spring 2023 semesters.
• Plan to commit up to 20 hours a week during their participation.

In addition to their apprenticeship positions, students will have the opportunity to learn from executives from the media industry through special talks, presentations and hands-on sessions to build professional skills.

Bowie State students majoring in Advertising Design, Animation & Motion Graphics, Broadcast Journalism, Communications, Marketing and Creative Writing are strongly encouraged to apply. The positions are focused on creative aspects of the media field.

“HBCU’s normally don’t get opportunities like this,” said Destiny-Ruth Sterling, a BSU junior. “It puts us on the map. I’m glad that students here at the university who are interested in pursuing an opportunity with A+E can apply for an apprenticeship position.  This is great!”

The benefits to students include expanding their work experience portfolios, gaining valuable communications and media skills, giving them a leg up on their careers and allowing them to earn $22.50 per hour while in school.

A+E Networks benefits as well.

“We set out to design a program that would offer students from diverse academic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds an opportunity to gain real-world work experience and mentorship in a creative field while working towards completing their degrees,” stated Paul Buccieri, president and chairman of A+E Networks Group. “We wanted students to have a unique opportunity to learn, but also meaningfully contribute to A+E Networks and have a substantial impact on our communications, CSR (corporate social responsibility) and promotional campaigns.”

Karen Gray, Chief Human Resources Officer & Chief Diversity Officer of A+E Networks, added, “We are proud to partner with Bowie State faculty who shared our vision for the program.  We look forward to welcoming these students this fall and to building a sustained partnership with Bowie State.”

“Any opportunity that gives you experience and a leg-up in this highly competitive job market is a good thing,” said Olotunde Floyd, a BSU senior. “The fact that the apprenticeship program is with a major media corporation is huge and I believe will give me and other students an advantage.”

Professor Tewodross Williams, chair of the department of Fine & Performing Arts has been talking with A+E Networks representatives, and Values Partnership, the country's largest Black-owned social impact agency that brings “together the dreamers, builders, makers and doers of social action and long-lasting change,” according to its web site. Values Partnership helped create the program at BSU, working with BSU’s Career Development Center.

“When I created the VCDMA (Visual Communications and Digital Media Arts) major I really wanted to develop partnerships across the industries, from fashion to animation to film and production, to studio arts. It really takes a team and we want to talk to these industries in terms of curriculum and courses.” Industry leaders, he said, can help BSU faculty determine what students should be learning and what they need to be successful in the industry.

“So this is great for us and it’s certainly great for our students,” said Williams.

###

About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit bowiestate.edu.