What is CPB's goal in participating in this program?
CPB began sponsoring the Scholars program in partnership with the Emma Bowen Foundation in the summer 2005 as a first step in ongoing efforts to recruit and develop minority talent in public broadcasting. This particular program affords CPB the opportunity to increase the range of voices, backgrounds, cultures, and ideas within the industry by bringing a new generation of public broadcasters in at the entry level and providing relevant training and experience.
What is the Emma Bowen Foundation?
The Foundation was established in 1989 by the media industry to increase access to job opportunities for minority students. Students work for partner organizations from their last summer in high school through their senior year of college during the five-year summer only program. For the three-year, year-around program, college freshmen receive experience in various aspects of the sponsoring organization, from operations and production to administrative functions. Both programs focus on scholastic achievement, direct work experience, and professional development.
What will this studentship program cost my company?
Stations/producers will pay the students' salaries (normally a $7.00 - $10.00 hourly fee -- determined by what is typical at each station). This should amount to an annual cost of about $2,000 per summer (8-10 week period) for the five- year program and $3,500-$4,000 annually for the three- year program (after the CPB salary reimbursement referenced below).
What costs will CPB pay?
CPB will pay an annual sponsorship fee to the Foundation that will enable participants to hire students through this program. CPB will also reimburse stations/producers 50% of each students' salary (up to $2,000 per summer and up to $4,000 annually respectively according to which program the station/producer is a part of ), as well as match the full salary (up to $4,000 and $6,000 respectively), paying into a scholarship fund for the student which is managed by the Foundation. The scholarship funds are used to help students defray the costs of college tuition and related expenses.
What other resources will my station/organization need to provide the student?
Each student will need a supervisor to oversee his/her work and to provide opportunities that develop industry specific skills. Supervisors will be provided with a toolkit to help them with this responsibility. Participants should consider different work experiences and increasing levels of responsibility they can provide the student over time. In addition, participants should provide a mentor for the student to meet with the student and supervisor regularly to provide guidance and advice. The Foundation will work closely with the participants to help monitor students' work and academic progress.
How does the Foundation identify potential students?
The Foundation invites applications from minority students with a cumulative 3.0 grade point average or better and an interest in the media industry. They review applications that include essays, academic references, and academic records and conduct interviews. (You can read about some of the students who have gone through this program by viewing: http://www.emmabowenfoundation.com/main.html, then click on Our Graduates.)
Will I get to interview and select the student for my station?
Yes. Once the Foundation identifies potential students in your location, they will refer those applications to you for interviews. You will decide who you would like to hire or if you would like them to search further. Five-year participants are required to choose rising high school seniors and three-year participants are required to choose college freshmen.
What is required of students to continue participation in the program?
Students must be continuously enrolled in a four-year college degree program, maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, and consistently perform satisfactorily in the job.
What is the Foundation's ongoing role with students and the program?
The Foundation closely monitors students' work and academic progress throughout the program. They also advise students and stations/producers as needed, and offer professional development programs for the students during the summers. Foundation staff promotes the program to educators, legislators, and businesses. This student program meets the FCC's criteria for an Outreach Initiative for EEO Compliance.
What are typical assignments for students?
CPB and the Foundation will work with each participant to determine needs and opportunities for student roles. To date, assignments have ranged from working with the public relations staff to plan and implement outreach activities, working in newsrooms, operating cameras and editing equipment, assisting in sales and marketing with research and presentation materials, working in finance, administration and human resource departments, working on graphic design and promotion projects, attending meetings, answering phones, filing, and drafting correspondence. The focus in this program is to plan assignments that help build skills, develop confidence and professional competence.
What other types of media organizations participate in this program?
Among the participants are commercial TV and radio stations/producers, independent broadcasters, cable television systems and programmers, media hardware suppliers, and advertising agencies. The Foundation is continuing to expand this universe of program sponsors.
Is the CPB Scholars program available in my area?
Attached is a list of cities in which the Foundation is recruiting for summer 2008. If you are interested but your area is not on this list, please let us know and CPB can explore adding recruiting activities in that area next year.
Will there be opportunities for interaction among participating station/producer representatives and/or students?
CPB will bring participating students together to learn more about CPB's role, public broadcasting and to benefit from each other's experiences in the program.
How can I find out more about this program?
CPB Scholars FAQs are posted at the CPB website. Foundation information can be found at www.emmabowenfoundation.com or contact Necola Staples at nstaples@cpb.org or 202-879-9678.
What do I need to do to apply?
Log onto the website and apply by the deadline, February 22, 2008.