HBCU students from across the country are charting their career paths in America’s Music City through the PROPEL Center Arts & Entertainment Industry Accelerator. Launched in collaboration with Apple’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, the program aims to increase diversity in the industry by empowering students to uncover their unique qualities and prepare for successful careers.
Participants in the yearlong accelerator, which includes over 100 students from HBCUs, have been engaged in various activities since February. They have completed micro-credential courses, attended virtual career panels with professionals at Apple, and participated in resume-writing workshops. This summer, 50 students were selected to attend an immersive 10-day experience at Tennessee State University in Nashville and Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, where they received mentorship and worked side by side with industry professionals.
The PROPEL Center, a global innovation and learning hub for HBCUs, provides educational programming in various disciplines, including arts and entertainment, AI, agriculture, social justice, and more. Apple’s partnership with the center includes developing curricula, offering mentorship, and providing internship opportunities to help students become industry leaders.
During the accelerator program, students participated in projects that focus on “Propelling Preservation,” highlighting the contributions of Black creatives to social movements and preserving HBCU culture for future generations. Through hands-on experiences, mentorship from industry professionals, and collaboration with artists and musicians, students are gaining valuable skills and insights to prepare them for successful careers in the industry.
The PROPEL Center is dedicated to providing opportunities for underrepresented communities and closing existing gaps to achieve meaningful change. Through partnerships with companies like Apple, students are receiving the technology, resources, and expertise they need to succeed in their chosen fields. With access to industry professionals and hands-on experiences, participants are gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their careers and make a positive impact on the industry.
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