At Spotify, we perceive the ability of amplifying the voices of every kind of creators. This is particularly necessary for communities which have traditionally been underrepresented in media, together with the audio business. Over the years, we’ve created bespoke applications like Sound Up, Frequency, and EQUAL to showcase and uplift the varied roster of artists, musicians, songwriters, and podcasters on our platform whereas creating area for brand new voices, tales, and views.
With this spirit, at the moment we’re saying the growth of SubsequentGen, Spotify’s ongoing program designed to infuse, activate, and develop podcast tradition on school campuses, to Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU) campuses throughout the U.S. This new initiative is supported by the Spotify Creator Equity Fund, which powers the corporate’s dedication to showcasing and uplifting creators who’ve traditionally been underrepresented within the audio business.
Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, is onboard as the primary HBCU to supply SubsequentGen programming starting early subsequent 12 months through the spring semester.
“We look forward to collaborating with Spotify on the new NextGen programming that will be offered to help further elevate the voices and creative content of our students,” mentioned Helene Gayle, M.D., MPH, president of Spelman College. “At the core of what drives the Spelman experience is our students’ ability to combine their academic learning and practical experiences as pathways to career and entrepreneurial opportunities. Thank you to Spotify and Michelle Hite, Ph.D., associate professor of English at Spelman, who helped make this partnership possible.”
Spotify at present companions with the University of Southern California, University of Pennsylvania, and New York University to supply SubsequentGen podcast programming and curriculum. Now our intention is to leverage this impactful program to create a brand new class of Black content material creators, equipping them with instruments and sources to develop their podcast ability units. We’ll additionally join HBCU college students with our roster of specialists from Spotify’s Studios staff, in addition to the voices of our Originals & Exclusives, in hopes of inspiring them to contemplate a profession in podcasting and providing an opportunity to listen to firsthand about methods to make it within the audio business.
“As an HBCU grad myself, I know firsthand the remarkable energy and creativity that flows through these institutions. It’s palpable,” mentioned Kristin Jarrett, Equity & Impact Strategy and Outreach Lead at Spotify. “NextGen allows us to get closer to this exceptional pipeline of Gen Z talent and storytellers, powering our goal of having a diverse roster of creators on our platform on our road to 50 million creators and 1 billion users.”
Here are a few of the SubsequentGen initiatives we intend to convey to Spelman College:
- Dedicated on-campus podcast recording area with skilled gear
- Events that includes Spotify executives and podcast expertise
- Spotify help of present, related curriculum and entry to tailor-made coaching applications
- Co-creation of student-led unique audio content material
- Potential educational scholarship help
- Invitation and consideration for Spelman College college students to take part Spotify’s 10-week internship program
Spelman College college students can contact Michelle Hite, Ph.D., affiliate professor of English, to be taught extra about this system.
Stay tuned for particulars about future SubsequentGen x HBCUs!