The Emma L. Bowen Foundation was created in 1989 to prepare minority youth for careers in the media industry. The Foundation’s program is unlike traditional intern programs in that students work for partner companies during summers and school breaks from the summer following their junior year in high school until they graduate from college. During the five-year program, students have an opportunity to learn many aspects of corporate operations and develop company-specific skills. Corporations have an opportunity to train and mentor students with the option of fulltime employment upon completion of their college degrees.
Students earn an hourly salary and matching funds for college expenses. Academic excellence is also a key component of the program—students are required to maintain a 3.0 grade point average to remain in good standing. The Foundation staff works closely with corporate partners to monitor each student’s academic and work progress. An annual student conference, a community service program and a mentoring program are also provided to further enhance the student’s knowledge and experience. Resource guides for both students and corporate supervisors are provided to maximize the student’s experience while in the program.
This unique, multi-year program prepares a diverse group of talented young professionals to enter the workforce with specific job-related skills, knowledge of the corporate environment and a strong foundation for future advancement. Students work in a variety of functional areas (e.g., marketing, sales, finance, public relations, human resources, technology, news, web design, promotion, etc.) and rotate each summer. Currently, we have 260 active students nationwide and more than 450 graduates. Approximately 70-80 new students join the program each year; in 2011, 108 students were added.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Any minority student (African American, Hispanic, Asian or Native American) who is a rising high school senior, graduating high school senior or college freshman, has a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0, is interested in pursuing a career in the media industry, and plans to attend a four-year accredited college or university is eligible to apply to the Emma L. Bowen Foundation work/study program. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal residents of the United States, and speak and write English fluently to be considered. Your grade transcript, at least two (2) educational references from teachers and/or advisors, and a 500-to-1,000-word essay must accompany the application form.
COMPLETING THE APPLICATION (HELPFUL HINTS)
1. Take the time to fill out the application carefully and completely. This is the first impression you will make with a potential employer. Not everyone who submits an application will be chosen. You are already a "star." Help us know what makes you unique.
2. All applications must be typed. You may attach separate pages for any answers that cannot be completed on the application form.
3. Complete the Essay Requirement. Your essay will count heavily in the selection process. Your writing style and attention to detail (spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.) will help us better evaluate your strengths and potential.
4. Read the Integrity Pledge Carefully. Your signature on the application indicates that you have read, understand and agree with the importance of pursuing honesty and excellence in your academic and professional life.
5. Prepare Your Application Package. Place original and two copies of your application in an envelope. Don't forget your grade transcript and reference letter(s). Include a passport-sized picture of yourself. Mail the package to the appropriate Emma L. Bowen regional office (see "The Application Form").
WHAT'S NEXT?
Finalists will be invited for interviews with our corporate partners and our partners will make the final selections. If you are selected for the work/study program, you will begin working in June of 2011. As an employee, we will expect you to be a conscientious, dependable team player. As a student, you will be expected to maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average during high school and college to remain in the program. We appreciate your interest and thank you for taking the time to complete this application. If you are selected, we can promise that a whole new world will be open to you. The Emma L. Bowen Foundation will provide the opportunity -- you provide the talent.
IF SELECTED
If you are selected for the Foundation's work/study program, you will be expected to work at your sponsoring company every summer for a minimum of eight weeks (40-hour workweek) until graduation from college. You will also be expected to participate in all Foundation activities for which you are eligible including our summer conference and the Link Mentoring Initiative. We will expect you to adjust any other commitments (school, family events or vacations, team sports, etc.) to accommodate your work and program obligations. As noted, all Foundation students must maintain a 3.0 GPA while in the program and are expected to earn their undergraduate degree in four years unless otherwise approved in advance by the Foundation. The work/study program is a unique opportunity and we hope you will maximize the experience.
Deadline: January 31, 2012