The Career Development Center has gathered a list of employers and non-profits that look to create diverse and inclusive environments across various industries. Please use the following list to find the opportunities that pertain to you as well as their deadlines.
Opportunities in the Arts
Smithsonian Minority Awards Program
Deadline: Paused for 2020, expected to return 2021 – application probably Feb’21
Location: Washington D.C.
The Smithsonian offers internships for minority students to do hands-on research in the museum field. Stipend awards are available for interns to participate in supervised on-going research or museum-related activities for periods of 10 weeks.
Smithsonian Opportunities for Research and Study
Deadline: Year Round Applications
Location: Washington D.C.
Graduate students only. Offers a number of opportunities to increase participation of minority groups who are underrepresented in the Smithsonian scholarly program in the disciplines of research conducted at the Institution and in the museum field. Stipends are available for interns to participate in supervised ongoing research or museum-related activities for periods of 10 weeks.
Opportunities in Advertising
Minority Advertising Internship Program
Deadline: Summer 2021 application expected to go live in Fall 2020
Location: Various
MAIP has helped jumpstart the careers of more than 2,600 Asian/Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, Black/African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Multiracial and Multiethnic aspiring advertising professionals. Each year, undergraduate and graduate students are selected for a 10-week paid summer internship at a 4A’s member advertising agency. The program gives advertising agencies a cost-effective way to identify and recruit talented multicultural students.
Opportunities in the Public Relations
Alfred Fleishman Diversity Fellowships
Deadline: Rolling and Dependant on Location (Many Open Now and due August 31, 2020)
Location: Various (including Boston and Los Angeles)
The Alfred Fleishman Diversity Fellowship is an industry-leading program that offers the opportunity for individuals to combine their communication talents with their passion for diversity and inclusion. The paid fellowships are six- to 12-months in length and offer benefits, professional development opportunities and a mentor program. Fellows contribute to client projects while rotating among account teams, gaining practical experience in the field of integrated communications from some of the industry’s best counselors.
Opportunities in Journalism
The American Association for the Advancement of Science: Minority Science Writers Internship
Deadline: Multiple Positions Posted Periodically
Location: Washington, D.C.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the Pitts Family Foundation offers a summer internship program for minority students interested in journalism as a career and who want to learn about science writing. The internship takes place at the Washington, D.C. headquarters of AAAS’s Science magazine, is paid and a 10-week experience under the guidance of the magazine’s award winning staff.
Minorities in Broadcast Journalism Training Program
Deadline: Application expected to open March 2021
Location: New York, NY
If you are a minority with a 4-year degree and have been looking for work as a TV News Reporter on your own without success, apply to the MBJ program to become a trainee. MBJ has placed our first trainees into newsrooms as reporters in 1993. MBJ is a nonprofit charity who has partnered with stations across the country (in small markets) to place selected trainees within the newsroom to learn by doing. Please note you have to be a member of MBJ to apply to this program which includes a membership fee.
National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)
Deadline: Application Open Soon (check once open for deadline)
Location: New York, NY & College Park, MD
The NABJ offers an internship in conjunction with NBC, with experience at their premiere shows. Interns will get hands-on experience at the news outlets, in writing, editing, and much more. The NABJ also offers internships within their home office located in College Park, Maryland
ProPublica Diversity Scholarship
Deadline: Application expected to open Feb’21
Location: Various (depending on the conference)
ProPublica will be sponsoring need-based scholarships for 20 students to attend an eligible journalism conference in 2020. Anyone who is a permanent U.S. resident is welcome to apply. We especially encourage students from an underrepresented group — including people of color, women, LGBTQ people and people with disabilities — to apply. The $750 scholarships will go to students who would otherwise be unable to attend. These conferences offer great opportunities for networking and professional development, especially for those just starting out in journalism. Scholarship recipients will also have the opportunity to meet up with any ProPublica staff also in attendance.
Opportunities in Media & Entertainment
Black Entertainment Television Networks (BETN) Internship Program
Deadline: Application expected to go live Fall’20
Location: CA, DC, IL, GA and NY
Committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment, BETN’s internship program is available year-round to many college, universities and external partner organizations, representing diverse communities nationwide. Interns are provided with real-life experiences in a variety of departments. BET is owned by CBS/Viacom a – don’t forget to check out opportunities with these media giants as well.
Director’s Guild of America (DGA) Assistant Director Training Program
Deadline: Closed 20/21 Cohort, Look in Fall 2020 for the 21/22 Applications
Location: New York, NY
The New York Assistant Director Training Program is designed to provide opportunities for a limited number of individuals to become Assistant Directors in Film, Film Television & Commercial production. This is a two year program consisting of up to 350 days of on-the-job training combined with seminars and special assignments.
Disney Launchpad Shorts Incubator
Deadline: Fall 2020 (for 2021 rotation if they offer this program again in the future). They encourage signing up for their emails (at the link above) for updates on when applications open.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
The Disney Launchpad: Shorts Incubator is a brand-new opportunity as of 2019 for up to six (6) directors from underrepresented backgrounds to present diverse perspectives, through the production of original, live-action shorts for proposed initial exhibition on the upcoming streaming service, Disney+.
International Radio & Television Society ‘IRTS’ Summer Fellowship Program
Deadline: Applications expected to open late Fall 2020
Location: New York, NY
The Program begins with an extensive one-week orientation to broadcasting, cable, advertising, and interactive media. Fellows have a rare opportunity to question industry professionals at panels, lectures, and group discussions. They also take related field trips and learn career planning, networking and interviewing skills by attending industry social functions.
NBC Female Forward and Emerging Directors Program
Deadline: Fall 2020 (for 2021 program)
Location: Various
The program is designed to take directors accomplished in their respective fields (features, commercials, music videos) and give them the opportunity to work alongside episodic television directors. The selected directors will foster relationships and fine tune their art to fit the episodic television format. The chosen director will shadow for up to two episodes on an NBCU show, from prep to post production. NBCU will provide a flat weekly stipend, along with airfare and hotel accommodation for non-locals during the program. Directors placed on NBC shows will be guaranteed an episode to direct on that show within the same season.
NBC Production Coordinator Program
Deadline: Spring 2021 (keep an eye out on the NBCUNITIPS page)
Location: Various
The Production Office Coordinator Program gives ethnically diverse participants an opportunity to shadow a production office coordinator on an NBC series. Selected candidates on scripted shows will shadow on a full season of an NBC show, while finalists on unscripted series will rotate through several shows during their production period.
NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship
Deadline: Expected to open Spring 2021
Location: New York, NY
Any sophomore, junior, or senior; or graduate student who identifies as an individual with any type of disability and is pursuing a communications or media-related degree is invited to apply. Each recipient receives $5,625 for tuition and fees at their college or university.
The T. Howard Foundation
Deadline: Early application deadline 10/31/20, late deadline 12/1/20
Location: Various
An internship program for minority students interested in the media and entertainment industry. In addition to a full-time paid summer internship, interns are provided with networking opportunities, professional development training, scholarships, mentors and more. Keep your eye out for a session from T.Howard during the Fall 2020 semester.
Walt Disney Television – Creative Talent Diversity and Inclusion Directing Program
Deadline: Applications will open Spring 2021 (follow their Facebook page for updates)
Location: Dependant on Shows
The two-year professional directing program recruits experienced directors on the cusp of making the transition into episodic directing. The primary goal of this program is to afford Program Directors access to develop relationships with WDT executives and productions. Those selected to participate in the program become part of the Walt Disney Television Directing Program directing talent pool. Directors on active assignments will receive a paid stipend in the amount of $950.00 per week. The duration of an individual’s participation is at the discretion of WDT executives, executive producers and/or episodic directors.
Opportunities in Comedy
StandUp NBC
Deadline: Cities and Dates to be announced Spring 2021 (keep an eye out on the NBCUNITIPS page)
Location: Various
StandUp NBC (formerly known as NBC’s STANDUP for DIVERSITY) is a nationwide search for stand-up comedians of diverse backgrounds, which started in 2003. This initiative allows comedians from across the country to showcase for key players at NBCUniversal and throughout the industry. Top recipient(s) are offered an NBC Talent Holding Deal, meetings with NBCUniversal Casting Development execs and an invitation to showcase at NACA for the opportunity to tour the US college circuit.
Opportunities in Screenwriting
The Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) New Writers Fellowship
Deadline: Check in Fall 2020 for Summer 2021 opportunities
Location: Los Angeles, CA
The CAPE New Writers Fellowship (CNWF) discovers and nurtures emerging writers launching their careers in television and film. Founded and co-chaired by Emmy Award-winning Creator and Showrunner Leo Chu and veteran film and TV executive Steve Tao, CNWF is one of few programs created by a creative and an executive.
HBOAccess Writing Fellowship
Deadline: Application expected to open February 3, 2021 and close Feb 12, 2021
Location: Santa Monica, CA
The HBOAccess Writing Fellowship provides mentorship for up to eight diverse, emerging storytellers. Following a one-week intensive of master classes, participants are immersed in eight months of mentoring by HBO creative executives, developing a script for HBO or Cinemax.
The Humanitas Prize: New Voices Program
Deadline: Applications expected to open September 2020
Location: Based on Winner’s Location
The Humanitas Prize offers 2 selected new or emerging writers a $20,000 grant to write an original pilot under the supervision of a mentor. Mentors are HUMANITAS Trustee or members of the Board of Directors. Once completed, the script is submitted to a studio partner for consideration.
The Minority Report
Deadline: September 27, 2020
Location: Various
The Minority Report is an industry-vetted fellowship program of the top scripts written by diverse students, designed to help underrepresented writers break into the entertainment industry. Submissions are collected from DIVERSO’s network of 30+ Universities. Each script then goes through an extensive selection process. The top 12 scripts are then judged by our Industry Jury Board, who ultimately decide on the fellows for the 2021 Minority Report.
National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) TV Writer’s Program
Deadline: Summer 2020 (closed for 2020 session)
Location: Based on Winner’s Location
The NHMC Television Writers Program is an intensive script writers workshop that prepares Latinos for writing jobs at major television networks. Modeled after the successful Hispanic Film Project, the program responds to the lack of diverse writers in primetime network TV.
NBCUniversal Late Night Writer’s Workshop
Deadline: Applications will open Spring 2021 (follow their Facebook page – linked above for updates)
Location: New York, NY
The NBCUniversal Late Night Writers Workshop is a multi-day program focused on exposing talented sketch and comedy writers to late night & alternative line-up and readying them for a staff writer position. Female writers and those of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
NBC Writers on the Verge Program
Deadline: May 2021 for the 21/22 rotation
Location: Universal City, CT
Writers on the Verge is a 6 month program focused on polishing writers and readying them for a staff writer position on a television series. Writers of diverse backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply.
Outfest Screenwriting Lab
Deadline: Announcement for application expected to come out Dec’20
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Outfest Screenwriting Lab is a three-day, mentor-led workshop in Los Angeles for selected LGBT screenwriters. The authors of five screenplays are invited to participate in an intensive laboratory working closely with Lab Mentors — established writers who will critique and encourage their work.
Universal Animation Writers Program
Deadline: December 2020 (follow their social media for updates)
Location: Universal City, CT
The Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG) animation writing program for both film and television identifies and develops an inclusive pool of talent with unique points of view that build upon UFEG’s commitment to telling stories and creating narratives that appeal to and reflect the vast diversity of our audiences. During the one-year paid program, Global Talent Development & Inclusion (GTDI) will partner with business units and production entities affiliated with UFEG including DreamWorks Animation, Illumination and Universal 1440 Entertainment.
Walt Disney Television Writing Program
Deadline: May 2021 (for 2022 rotation) – Follow their Facebook page linked above for updates.
Location: Los Angeles, CA Area
The primary goal of the program is staff Writers on Walt Disney Television (WDT) series. Staffing is not guaranteed. The Program also provides engagement with executives, producers and literary representatives, designed to facilitate relationships that can prove invaluable in developing a television writing career. The twelve-month program begins in February and ends in February of the following year. Please note that time frames are subject to change. For at least the first month of the program, writers participate in a curriculum designed to better prepare for staffing consideration. Follow the above linked Facebook page for the next round of applications (here is a link to the notification for the 2020 application that is now closed for your reference)
Warner Brothers Television Writer’s Workshop Deadline
Deadline: Applications expected to open May 1, 2021
Location: Burbank, CA
The Warner Brothers Writers Workshop offers a six month program every year that selects up to 10 participants, out of almost 2,000 submissions, and exposes them to Warner Bros. Television’s top writers and executives, all with the goal of earning them a staff position on a Warner Bros. produced television show.
Opportunities in Publishing
Diversity in Publishing Internship – LEE & LOW BOOKS
Deadline: Spring 2021
Location: New York, NY
Interns provide support primarily for the Marketing & Publicity department but may work on cross departmental projects as well. Interns learn what it takes to market and publicize books, create and discover niche markets, and spread the word about our unique mission to publish children’s books that all children can enjoy. Interns gain a wide exposure to the world of independent publishing for children.
The We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) Internship Program
Deadline: Multiple programs, varied application deadlines
Location: Various
The WNDP Internship Program provides grants to students from diverse backgrounds (people of color, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQIA+ community, and other underrepresented groups) who wish to pursue a career in the publishing industry, specifically in children’s literature.
Opportunities in Sports
National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) – Diversity Internship Program
Deadline: December 2020 for Summer 2021 (follow their social for updates)
Location: Various
The NASCAR Diversity Internship Program employs college/university students in a ten-week summer program designed to introduce them to the world of NASCAR. It supports students with an interest in the motorsports industry, who are of Alaskan Native, American Indian, Asian/Pacific Island, African American, Hispanic, or of other racial minority descent.
National Basketball Association Internship Program & Associate Program
Deadline: December
Location: Various (United States and Abroad)
This summer program is a hands-on opportunity for enrolled college students to build their work experience and learn the behind-the-scenes operations of the NBA League Office.Applicant placement within an NBA Department is based on the NBA’s business needs, as well as the candidate’s interest, experience, and academic achievement. All positions are at the NBA League Offices in New York City or Secaucus, New Jersey.
Opportunities in Public Policy & Government
The Brookings Institution Internships and Fellowships
Deadline: Fall 2020
Location: Washington, D.C.
The Brookings Institution offers full-time and part-time unpaid internships to students, as well as fellowships to early and mid-career professionals who wish to research public policy issues. Internship opportunities are available throughout the year in both their research programs and non-research programs.
Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA) Internal and Summer Internships
Deadline: Check back late Fall 2020 for details on application for Summer 2021
Location: Various, but mostly Washington, D.C.
Internship placements are available year-round at the OCA National Center, where students work on OCA’s program areas as well as assist with communications and development. Over the Summer OCA also works directly with employers primarily in the governmental and non-profit sectors to place additional interns.A stipend is provided.
Cross-Industry Opportunities
American Association of People with Disabilities AADP – Summer Internship Programs
Deadline: Check back in the Fall 2020 for Summer 2021 opportunities
Location: Washington, D.C. & Atlanta, GA
Each summer, AAPD places college students, graduate students, law students, and recent graduates with all types of disabilities in summer internships within the Coca Cola organization, Congressional offices, federal agencies, non-profits, and for-profit organizations in the Washington, DC area. Each intern is matched with a mentor who will assist them with their career goals. AAPD provides the interns with a living stipend, transportation to and from Washington, DC, and fully-accessible housing.
Inroads
Deadline: Rolling, but all applications expected March 31, 2021
Location: Various
About: INROADS is a national non-profit looking to develop underserved minorities. They work with top companies to help secure a paid multi-year internship in order to help prepare interns for corporate and community leadership in business, engineering, information sciences, retail store management, sales, health, or marketing.
Minority Access Internship Program
Deadline: Rolling, but all applications expected March 31, 2021
Location: Various
This program is designed to allow undergraduate and graduate students to experience the diversity of career opportunities available in the federal government and other participating entities. Interns receive pre-employment training, expert counseling on career choices, financial management and professional development, and recognition for fulfilling the requirements of the program.
National Organization for Women (NOW)
Deadline: TBD, but likely application will open January 2021
Location: Washington D.C.
NOW offers full-time and part-time stipend internships throughout the year for undergraduate and graduate students. Interns will work do work in advocacy, communications, governmentrelations or fundraising and development. The positions are geared toward students with an interest in women’s issues and feminist organizing, with a desire for candidates to learn, grow and return to their campuses to continue the work.
National Partnership for Women and Families
Deadline: Expecting Summer 2021 application to open Fall 2020
Location: Washington DC
The National Partnership for Women and Families is a non-profit that uses public education and advocacy to promote fairness in workplace, health care, and policies that help women and men meet the dual demands of work and family. Interns will work within communications, health policy, or economic justice advocacy.
Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO)
Deadline: Rolling Admissions
Location: San Francisco, CA & New York, NYStudent interns can be placed within companies in the corporate, banking, corporate law, or the non-profit sector. SEO provides mentorship and training for students throughout their internship experiences and works to ensure that students can get job offers from the companies and organizations they intern with.
Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT)
Deadline: December 2020
Location: Various
MLT hopes to develop the next generation of minority leaders, for the corporate, non-profit and entrepreneurial sectors through constant mentoring, one-on-one career coaching, and internship placements. This program is geared towards Sophomores and is done in conjunction with their academic studies through their Senior year. The program lasts18 months and includes four weekend seminars. There are a number of business and law associated tracks, however, there are often marketing, communication and non profit opportunities as well.
United Negro College Fund Scholars Programs
Deadline: Various program deadlines ranging July – October 2020
Location: Various
UNCF Corporate Scholars Programs help college students gain invaluable professional experience through paid internships at America’s leading Fortune 500 corporations and national organizations. Students also receive up to a $10,000 scholarship. Many of the internships are renewable.Eligibility requirements vary by program: https://scholarships.uncf.org/.
Looking for More?
Discover More Internships:
