Spotify's NextGen Creator Day: Empowering Future Audio Innovators
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Chapter 1: Introduction to NextGen Creator Day
Spotify recently held its inaugural NextGen Creator Day at Spelman College, marking a significant step in its efforts to enhance collaboration with the institution. This event aims to support students with aspirations in the audio industry, including fields like podcasting, storytelling, and sound engineering.
Section 1.1: Spotify NextGen Scholarship Program
As part of its initiatives, Spotify introduced a scholarship program for five first-year students at Spelman College. Each selected student will receive a $10,000 scholarship for their sophomore, junior, and senior years, specifically aimed at those pursuing careers in audio media.
Subsection 1.1.1: NextGen Curriculum Program
Spelman College has launched a tailored, audio-first curriculum, co-created with Spotify’s SoundUp team and Dr. Michelle Hite. This program, which is now open for student registration, focuses on enhancing skills in podcast production, including content editing and audio newsroom design.
Section 1.2: The Creator Lab Program
Additionally, Spotify is hosting a week-long incubator program designed to train aspiring podcasters. Participants will engage in interactive workshops that guide them through the process of developing, launching, and expanding their podcasts using Spotify For Podcasters.
Chapter 2: Insights from Industry Leaders
The NextGen Creator Day was not only informative but also inspiring, featuring insights from notable figures in the podcasting world. Students were treated to discussions led by podcast hosts Rickey Thompson and Denzel Dion of "We Said What We Said," as well as content creator Wunmi Bello. Congresswoman Nikema Williams and Spotify executives shared their perspectives, highlighting the importance of this initiative.
Last year, Spotify expressed its commitment to cultivating podcast culture on HBCU campuses, starting with Spelman College. The NextGen program aims to activate and grow this culture, supported by Spotify’s Creator Equity Fund, demonstrating the company’s dedication to driving cultural change.
This initiative comes alongside other significant projects, such as GLOW, a program celebrating the LGBTQIA+ creator community, and Making Space, which provides podcasting equipment to local minority-owned businesses.
Kristin Jarrett, Spotify's Equity & Impact Lead and Spelman alum, emphasized the partnership's significance, stating, "We are paving the way for a new generation of Black content creators, providing them with essential tools and resources to thrive in the audio industry."
Georgia Congresswoman Nikema Williams expressed her gratitude for Spotify's involvement, stating, "This partnership uplifts students and showcases Black excellence in our country."
In a reflective moment, podcast hosts Rickey Thompson and Denzel Dion remarked on the transformative influence of Spotify, saying, "They encouraged us to be more descriptive and genuine in our storytelling. A podcast feels like a safe space for us to share our real selves, and it's encouraging to see the space becoming more inclusive."