Spotify is committed to amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups, and that starts with empowering the creators who will shape our industry's future.
NextGen is Spotify's ongoing program designed to infuse, activate, and grow podcast and creator culture on college campuses. Through our Creator Equity Fund (CEF), we've expanded NextGen to support historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) including Spelman College, Howard University, Hampton University, and now North Carolina A&T State University.
This year, the program has funded $50,000 in scholarships to students at North Carolina A&T State University interested in pursuing careers in audio media, including podcasting, storytelling, writing, sound engineering, and music. NextGen programming helps promote new and different voices, stories, and perspectives and provides students with the skills to pursue their dreams.
After a competitive selection process, we are excited to announce this year's scholarship recipients: Armani Ross, Christ n Davis, Chrysta Nichols, Emery Whipple, and Nicole Neal. Learn more about these talented students and their aspirations.
Armani Ross (she/her) Junior, Mass Media Production Major
How can scholarships and learning opportunities like Spotify's NextGen help HBCU students? The scholarship opportunities pave the way for students to continue to network and learn-not only from professors but also from each other, especially at an HBCU like A&T. This school is filled with so many creative individuals and the learning opportunities help students expand and execute their ideas.
Who are some creators of color who inspire you, and if you could collaborate with any of them, who would you choose and why? Ava DuVernay and Issa Rae. As a Black woman in film, they've both paved the way and have truly been an inspiration. I admire their filmmaking and storytelling of Black lives, whether it's a documentary like Colin in Black and White or a film like Insecure. I would love to learn how they select shots or aesthetics-and why-to tell a compelling story and make it relatable to the audience.
What's one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator? I'm still working on finding my look when it comes to producing and directing films. With time and learning from my mistakes, I hope that one day when people see a film of mine, they will know that it's my work because it's different from others.
What's your favorite Spotify playlist? The Legendary Labels playlist series.
What's your favorite Spotify podcast? On Purpose with Jay Shetty.
What's your favorite Spotify audiobook? Rich Dad Poor Dad.
Christ n Davis (she/her) Junior, Multimedia Journalism Major
How can scholarships and learning opportunities like Spotify's NextGen help HBCU students? Opportunities like Spotify's NextGen program help students in ways that go far beyond what words can measure, bringing passionate individuals from both underrepresented and economically disadvantaged backgrounds into the professional world. It's a great blessing to have programs which provide resources for education and professional growth. It can often be what makes the difference in whether or not a student is able to graduate from a university.
Who are some creators of color who inspire you, and if you could collaborate with any of them, who would you choose and why? Issa Rae and AMP (the YouTube creative group) inspire me the most, and I would enjoy collaborating with either of them. But if I had to choose ONE, I would pick Issa Rae, because I see myself in her work. She has created TV shows that make me feel seen and heard, not just as a Black woman, but as an awkward and slightly nerdy one, too. That kind of content is rare to find. Issa is truly an innovator.
What's one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator? I hope to travel to countries where economic crises are prevalent to document those issues and raise awareness through the media. Internationally, populations of people are struggling to survive in their environments due to war, poverty, deadly hunger, and more. After my family and I faced food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was motivated to work toward this philanthropic goal.
What's your favorite Spotify playlist? I love the playlist Chill Hits! Calm music and chill beats are definitely my kind of vibe.
What's your favorite Spotify podcast? Ted Talks Daily is my favorite Spotify podcast. There is something special about being able to strengthen yourself with knowledge by listening to experts.
What's your favorite Spotify audiobook? The Duke and I, by Julia Quinn. I love the Bridgerton love stories!
Chrysta Nichols (she/her) Junior, Multimedia Journalism Major
How can scholarships and learning opportunities like Spotify's NextGen help HBCU students? As a journalism student deeply immersed in the realms of media and marketing, I see firsthand the transformative power of initiatives like Spotify's NextGen scholarships for students attending HBCUs. These opportunities are not just about financial assistance; they symbolize a pathway to empowerment and representation within industries where diversity and inclusion are paramount. By offering support to HBCU students, companies like Spotify are not only investing in individual futures but also championing a broader narrative of equity and access.
Who are some creators of color who inspire you, and if you could collaborate with any of them, who would you choose and why? Dearra Taylor, Isimeme Edeko, and Issa Rae are creators of color who embody authenticity and staying true to oneself, which I deeply resonate with. If I could collaborate with any of them, I would choose Isimeme Edeko. As someone who has personally struggled with confidence and
Europe Stories
06/10/2025
France T l visions, France's leading broadcaster, has received the 2025 EBU ...
04/09/2025
Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE), in collaboration with Dalet, has been a...
07/08/2025
July 8 2025, 22:30 (PDT) Tata Motors & Dolby Bring Dolby Atmos to Harrier.ev, R...
11/07/2025
If you've ever wondered what might be playing in Clark Kent's headphones...
11/07/2025
AI and Multimedia Authenticity Standards Collaboration launches two papers to guide the future of AI integration, today at the AI for Good Global Summit
The...
10/07/2025
The current holder of the prestigious Thomson Foundation Young Journalist of the Year Award has been forced to stop reporting over fears for her safety in Afgha...
10/07/2025
Spotify is turning up the volume on Australian music with a multipronged initiative designed to highlight the dominance of Australian artists on the global stag...
10/07/2025
This is not a drill: Oasis is back on the road-marking its first live performanc...
10/07/2025
The music industry depends on fresh ideas, bold voices, and emerging talent. Yet across the U.K., too many young musicians lack the space to develop their craft...
10/07/2025
10 Jul 2025
VEON and Cohen Circle Secure Investor Commitments for Kyivstar Listing Kyiv, New York, Dubai, and Philadelphia - July 10, 2025 - VEON Ltd. (Nasdaq:...
10/07/2025
Thursday 10 July 2025
The Very Small Creatures
Jaime's Treetop Tales
Emerald
BooSnoo! Christmas Mashup
Pip & Posy's Spooktacular Party
The Very Sm...
10/07/2025
Thursday 10 July 2025
Brand new rewards are coming to Sky customers, with free ...
10/07/2025
Comscore Achieves Full JIC Certification for National TV Measurement Including...
09/07/2025
Wednesday 9 July 2025
Sky Broadband now has the UK's fastest broadband spee...
09/07/2025
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced Jeff Williams will transition his role as chief operating officer later this month to Sabih Khan, Apple's senior...
08/07/2025
In an era where digital threats to journalists are becoming increasingly aggressive and widespread, MediaSafe Africa launches as a vital online resource to help...
08/07/2025
This summer, as the energy builds for one of the biggest moments in women's ...
08/07/2025
UKTV today announces that Richard Watsham, Chief Creative Officer at UKTV and Global Director of Acquisitions for BBC Studios/UKTV, has decided to step down fro...
08/07/2025
SAN JOSE, Calif. - July 8, 2025 - Harmonic (NASDAQ: HLIT) today announced a reco...
08/07/2025
Arvato Systems Optimizes Customer Communication with AOK Niedersachsen
New project in the statutory health insurance sector
Arvato Systems and AOK Niedersach...
08/07/2025
On August 7, Apple Arcade is adding four exclusive games to its diverse catalogue of more than 200 fun games for players to enjoy, all free from ads and in-app ...
07/07/2025
** MEDIA ALERT **
VIZ Media Ignites AX 2025 with Star-Studded Panels, Exclus...
07/07/2025
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA As Apple Music marks its 10th anniversary this year, Apple unveils its most ambitious creative project to date: a brand-new state-of-the...
07/07/2025
RT has announced that Mark Bignell has been appointed Commissioning Editor for Comedy following a public competition. This senior editorial position will drive...
04/07/2025
The Summer Reading Challenge has inspired children across the U.K. to embrace a ...
04/07/2025
Friday 4 July 2025
Watch the trailer here https://youtu.be/Od5WpvWmDr8
Further...
04/07/2025
The Pitch comes to RT Radio 1 airwaves this Sunday at 7pm. The Pitch is a brand...
03/07/2025
For our Vario-Jib, as well as for a repertoire of weights, we now have carts that make transport easier...
03/07/2025
One of our latest innovations: Slider Drive Unit!
Our Vario Slider not only comes with improvements and new features, but also with its own drive unit!
Our i...
03/07/2025
The 360 EVO lives up to its name: 360-degree rotation not only on the pan axis, but also on the roll axis, enables filmmakers to take their creative visions eve...
03/07/2025
What a buzzing few days at BSCExpo in London!
We were thrilled to connect with so many talented professionals from the world of cinematography.
A huge thank ...
03/07/2025
ADOLESCENCE - Shot with Panther Tower"The whole rig had to be detachable mid-episode
Netflix limited drama series Adolescence has been gaining attentio...
03/07/2025
** MEDIA ALERT ** Shonen Jump Store Hosting Los Angeles Pop-up During Anime Exp...
03/07/2025
Thursday 3 July 2025
David Harewood and Matthew Broome in Mozart: Genius for Hi...
03/07/2025
The Sky WNT Fund supports Womens National Team players with a 30,000 bursaryThursday 3 July 2025
Sky Ireland has announced the four recipients of the 2025 Sky...
02/07/2025
Calrec expands ecosystem at NAB 2025 giving broadcasters access to dynamic workflows and ultimate flexibility Helping broadcasters meet the shifting needs of me...
02/07/2025
02 Jul 2025
VEON Raises USD 200 Million in Private Bond Placement Dubai, July 1, 2025: VEON Ltd. (Nasdaq: VEON), a global digital operator ( VEON ), announces ...
02/07/2025
Brand new factual series follows mechanic and self-taught engineer Dom Chinea as he makes the move of his life to the far west of Cornwall
UKTV today announces...
02/07/2025
Rohde & Schwarz acquires ZES ZIMMER Electronic Systems GmbH and expands its T&M ...
02/07/2025
Wuppertal July 2, 2025
Riedel Communications Launches RefSuite Ecosystem for S...
02/07/2025
Andrew will serve as Chair of ABC alongside his role at NED, APL Media, where he supports the executive team with strategic insight and global expansion plans. ...
01/07/2025
The launch of Code of Silence, coupled with the Britains Got Talent semi final, gave ITV its best Sunday night of 2025.
The first episode of the new crime dr...
01/07/2025
ITV and Mammoth Screen have announced the start of filming for Betrayal, a gripp...
01/07/2025
eds3_5_jq(document).ready(function($) { $(#eds_sliderM519).chameleonSlider_2_1({ content_source:......
01/07/2025
Vocal-processing plug-in joins NOIZ Hub series
Launched in 2024, KIT Plugins' NOIZ Hub series was created with the aim of providing a range of professio...
01/07/2025
New self-paced learning programme announced
Mastering.com have announced the availability of a new online course designed to cover the fundamentals of maste...
01/07/2025
The Traitors are coming: Get your first taste of the global hit as Season 1 of T...
01/07/2025
cetecom advanced certifies Rohde & Schwarz test solution for the verification of...
01/07/2025
RT has announced that Teresa Smith has been appointed Commissioning Editor with responsibility for Factual Entertainment following a public competition. This s...
Spotify is committed to amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups, and that starts with empowering the creators who will shape our industry's future.
