The MPA partnered with the Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program (EICOP) to launch the MPA-EICOP Entertainment Law & Policy Fellowship — the first entertainment-focused law and policy program of its kind to serve outstanding recent graduates from Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), and other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs).
This prestigious program eliminates systemic barriers to entry by providing selected Fellows with housing, travel, and stipends to participate in the year-long program. Fellows will gain relevant work experience working at the MPA as well as its member studios and interact with senior executives and policymakers, while building the skills needed to prepare them to be the next generation of law and policy leaders in the entertainment industry.
Ultimately, the Fellowship aims to expand the pipeline and grow opportunities for graduates from diverse backgrounds to enter the entertainment industry.
About the Fellowship
The Entertainment Law & Policy Fellowship is the first entertainment-focused law and policy program of its kind. Two dynamic students from Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs), or other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) will be selected as Fellows during each annual period.
The year-long program is an immersive and bi-coastal experience in Los Angeles and Washington, DC that hones the skills needed to prepare for future roles in the law and policy fields. The program enables Fellows to:
- Interface with MPA Policy and Legal executives to understand the entertainment landscape and various roles.
- Gain relevant practical experience through MPA member studios (Disney, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, Universal, and Netflix)
- Interact and network with senior-level industry executives and policymakers while building the skills necessary to prepare for future law and policy leadership.
Meet the Current MPA-EICOP Fellows
William A. Davis
William A. Davis2022-23 MPA-EICOP Law Fellow
Howard University School of Law ‘21
“I have been able to apply my law degree in so many ways through this fellowship. The experience has been challenging, and the team has been extremely supportive. The networking opportunities have been amazing, and everyone we’ve met with has given us unique and valuable perspectives on the industry.”
Rhyan T. Lewis
Rhyan T. Lewis2022-23 MPA-EICOP Policy Fellow
Spelman College ’22
“This program has given me so much insight on the inner workings of policy issues within the entertainment industry. This experience has been invaluable, and I am confident this will positively impact my career in entertainment.”
Qualifications & Eligibility
- Must be interested in Entertainment Policy or Entertainment Law.
- Open to graduating seniors or graduating Law Students from an HSI, HBCU, and MSI.
- Open to recent graduates of an HSI, HBCU, and MSI with either a related bachelor’s degree, JD, Master’s, or other related advanced degree/s.
For a full list of Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), click here.
Timeline
- September 26, 2022: Application process opens
- December 31, 2022: Application process closes (11:59 PM PT)
- April 2023: Selected Fellows announced
- June 2023: Fellowship rotation in MPA LA
- August 2023: Fellowship rotation in MPA DC
- January 2024: Fellowship rotation for 5 months at TBD Member Studios (Los Angeles, CA)
- May 2024: Fellowship ends
FAQ
Who is eligible?
Recent or upcoming graduates (Spring 2021 to Spring 2023) from a 4-year college/university with a Bachelor’s, JD, Master’s, or other related advanced degree from an MSI institution.
How do I determine if my school qualifies?
Graduates from 4-year colleges/universities listed on the Rutgers University MSI list (see HERE) are eligible.
How long is the program?
This is a one-year fellowship that runs from June 1, 2023, until June 1, 2024.
Is housing provided?
Yes, housing will be fully provided for the entirety of the program, in both Los Angeles and Washington, DC.
Will I receive a stipend as a Fellow?
Yes, you will receive a stipend for housing, travel, and other expenses related to the Fellowship, and living expenses.
What is the timeline for applications?
The application portal opened on September 26, 2022, and will close at 11:59 p.m. PST on December 31, 2022.
Will I work directly with studios?
Yes, fellows will have opportunities to gain experience directly from the MPA’s member studios, including spending the last six months of the fellowship working at one of the studios.
Do we have any input on what studio we will be working with?
Preferences for placement with a particular studio will be considered but cannot be guaranteed.
What is the cut-off for recent graduates?
Spring 2021 to Spring 2023.
How to Apply
Applications are NOW OPEN for the 2023-24 MPA-EICOP fellowship period!
About the Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program
EICOP is a non-profit educational arts workforce development program, dedicated to educating, training, and recruiting the best and brightest diverse student leaders from our nation’s Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority-Serving Institutions for careers across all aspects of the entertainment, media, sports, music, and technology industries.
Its signature program, HBCU in LA, was launched in partnership with then-President Obama’s White House Initiative on HBCUs. Since its launch, the MPA has served as an important partner creating access for HBCU law students to participate in this important diversity pipeline development initiative.