In the heart of California’s bustling entertainment industry, the Tuskegee Scholars Program, a collaboration between University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) and Tuskegee University, marks a significant step towards inclusivity in film and media studies.

Over six weeks, the program brings together 10 students from historically Black Tuskegee University and 15 students from UCSB, a Hispanic Serving Institution, to prepare aspiring filmmakers for success in the competitive entertainment industry. By focusing on TV writing and introductory cinema, alongside immersive field trips to Los Angeles studios, the program offers hands-on experience that is crucial for aspiring professionals.

Beyond the classroom, students benefit from partnerships with industry giants and engage directly with top-level executives and professionals. Ayo Davis, president of branded television at Disney Studios, and Jamila Hunter, president of MACRO Television, are among those providing mentorship and networking opportunities — an invaluable resource for aspiring filmmakers navigating their career paths.

Fostering creativity through the transformative power of cinema, the program paves the way for future generations of filmmakers, reaffirming the profound impact of education and mentorship in shaping the landscapes of media and entertainment.

For Tuskegee University, the collaboration with UCSB serves as a launching pad. Over the next two years, Tuskegee aims to expand its concentration in film and media arts into a full-fledged degree program, nurturing local talent and cultivating a homegrown entertainment sector.

As the inaugural cohort of Tuskegee Scholars prepares to transition from summer immersion to fall coursework, Tuskegee University is poised to offer classes in development, pre-production, and introductory film studies. 

Michael Douglas, UCSB dean of humanities and fine arts and Professor Daina Ramey Berry told UC news, “Narrative possesses the remarkable capacity to construct connections rooted in understanding, tolerance, empathy and respect, guiding us in comprehending the intricacies of our lives and the ever-evolving world surrounding us… The time has now arrived for us to harness the boundless potential of storytelling, as manifested through the realms of entertainment and the performing arts, to ignite social transformation.”