HBCU IN LA ® · HBCU IN NY ® · HBCU IN ATL ®

The industry pipeline HBCU students were never given.

EICOP places the best and brightest student leaders from HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions in paid internships at major studios, networks, talent agencies, and global creative companies.

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90% Placement success rate

60+ Industry partners

35+ Events held

2017 White House Initiative launch

What We Do

A nonprofit built to close Hollywood's diversity gap.

The Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program (EICOP) is a nonprofit educational arts workforce development organization. We educate, train, and recruit talented student leaders from HBCUs and other Minority Serving Institutions for careers across entertainment, media, sports, music, gaming, and technology.

EICOP partners with industry organizations that commit to providing paid internship experiences. Participants meet the most successful leaders working in the industry today, who answer real questions and provide long-term mentorship. Students receive professional coaching, networking access, and instruction on interview skills, industry culture, and career navigation.

Founded in partnership with the White House. In 2017, under the Obama administration, EICOP joined forces with the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and launched HBCU IN LA, the first program of its kind.

Our Goal

“Our goal in establishing this much needed program is to provide a diverse, ready-for-hire talent pool for employment across the industry.”

EICOP — Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program

Three cities. One mission. Infinite careers.

Each program is a fully immersive 8 to 10-week paid internship designed to put HBCU scholars inside the industry.

Since 2017

HBCU IN LA®

Los Angeles, CA — Major studios, networks, talent agencies, and the heart of Hollywood.

New York

HBCU IN NY®

New York, NY — Media companies, publishing, and the East Coast creative industry ecosystem.

Atlanta

HBCU IN ATL®

Atlanta, GA — The growing media and entertainment capital of the South.

Program Components

What every cohort receives

Four high-impact programmatic pillars built around real access to real industry opportunity.

Paid Internships

8 to 10-week placements at major studios, networks, production companies, and talent agencies. Students are compensated. Period.

Speaker Series

Weekly sessions with the industry's biggest movers and shakers. Real access to executives, creators, and decision-makers who answer real questions.

Career Development

Professional coaching, interview prep, industry etiquette, and culture training. Students arrive prepared and leave ready to be hired.

HBCU Showcase

Cohorts co-create original content from pitch to market. Student writers, directors, actors, and future executives are introduced to the industry live.

Student Stories

Some people go through a program. Others let it shape them entirely.

Khariss Bender is a two-time EICOP alum. She returned because she knew there was more to gain, more to learn, and more to grow into. A Howard University graduate now headed to CNN, she is living proof that when you keep showing up, opportunity has no choice but to show up too.

Returning to EICOP a second time was the best decision I made. It changed not just my resume, but who I am as a professional.

Khariss Bender — Howard University › CNN

How a student goes from campus to career

Five clear stages from recruitment at your institution to a career inside the industry.

Campus Recruitment

EICOP visits HBCUs and MSIs to bring career forums and recruitment opportunities directly to students and faculty.

Selection

A competitive cohort of student leaders is selected from applications across the country. Merit and potential, not connections.

Summit Week

The program kicks off with the HBCU IN HOLLYWOOD Summit: welcome week, industry tours, and partner info sessions.

Internship

8 to 10 weeks of paid, hands-on work inside a major studio, network, or agency. Weekly speaker series throughout.

Showcase & Hire

Cohorts present original content to the industry. Graduates leave with a network, a portfolio, and a path forward.

Three ways to build the pipeline with us.

Whether you are a student, a company, or a supporter, there is a way for you to be part of this work.

Get in Touch

Ready to get involved or learn more?

Whether you are a student, a company, or a donor, we want to hear from you. Reach out directly, or fill in the form and we will follow up within two business days.

Phone

(818) 557-0389

info@eicop.org

Website

www.eicop.org