NBCU Academy adds 13 new academic partnerships, expanding reach to 30 schools across the country

NBCU Academy, NBCU News Group’s multi-platform journalism training and development program, significantly expanded its reach to 30 institutions by adding 13 new partners, NBCU News Group Chairman Cesar Conde announced today.

The new 2022 cohort, which introduces STEM programs into the academy, grows NBCU Academy’s geographic footprint, diversifies the student population through specialized programs, and expands beyond journalism to include business, engineering, technology and sports programs. With the addition of 13 new partners, the program has grown to include 30 institutions.

The 13 new academic partners include:

• Arizona State University Global Sport Institute in Tempe, Arizona
• Arizona State University Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication in Phoenix, Arizona
• Community College of Philadelphia Division of Business and Technology in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Florida A&M University-Florida State University College of Engineering in Tallahassee, Florida
• Florida A&M University School of Journalism & Graphic Communication in Tallahassee, Florida
• Howard University Cathy Hughes School of Communications in Washington, D.C.
• Howard University College of Engineering and Architecture in Washington, D.C.
• Montclair State University School of Communication and Media in Montclair, New Jersey
• New Mexico State University College of Engineering in Las Cruces, New Mexico
• New Mexico State University Department of Journalism and Media Studies in Las Cruces, New Mexico
• Universidad del Sagrado Corazón Ferré Rangel School of Communications in San Juan, Puerto Rico
• University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications in Gainesville, Florida
• University of Texas at Arlington Department of Communication in Arlington, Texas

NBCU Academy will invest $2 million in grants toward building sustainable relationships to support the 13 new partner institutions, enriching the online experience and growing signature pipeline programs — all while keeping diversity and inclusion as a core driver.

“The way we gather and consume news is consistently evolving,” said Yvette Miley, senior vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion for NBCU News Group. “Through NBCU Academy, we’re forging a generation of diverse journalists that are ahead of the curve on media technologies and have a deep understanding of a range of industries.” 

“We are excited to begin this partnership with NBCU Academy,” said Hub Brown, dean of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. “We have a tremendously talented and diverse group of students from all over Florida and the Southeast, including a significant number of first-generation students. Our hands-on, ready-on-day-one environment is a perfect match for NBCU Academy’s activities, and this partnership will be life-changing for our students. We can’t wait to get started.”

Last year, NBCU Academy issued $6.5 million in funding to campuses (with 50% going directly to students), established NBCUAcademy.com, and launched Original Voices, a fellowship program formed in partnership with NBC News Studios. NBCUAcademy.com offers free online instruction and digital content for students. In the last year alone, NBCU Academy produced 65 online tutorials, hosted eight livestreams and generated more than 40 Original Equity Lab stories. Journalists and leadership across the NBCU News Group portfolio participated in NBCU Academy curriculum, providing access and insight to linear platforms, streaming channels, and digital, audio and social brands across NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, Telemundo News and Peacock. 

Additionally, NBCU Academy developed an embed program, hiring six recent graduates from five of NBCU Academy’s partner schools to work full-time for NBC News Digital’s award-winning diversity verticals, including NBC Asian America, NBCBLK, NBC Latino and NBC Out, as well as CNBC Make It and CNBC en Español. The embed program builds on NBCU Academy’s mission to provide more equitable access to diverse and marginalized communities that have been historically underrepresented in the news industry. 

The initiative reflects Comcast NBCUniversal and NBCU News Group’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. It is also part of Project UP, Comcast NBCUniversal’s comprehensive effort to help build a future of unlimited possibilities by connecting people to the internet, advancing economic mobility and opening doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers and creators. Launched in 2021, NBCU Academy provides tools, resources and platforms for young, underrepresented voices in partnership with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions and colleges with significant Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander, Black, Indigenous and tribal populations. In June 2020, Comcast NBCUniversal announced a multi-year $100 million commitment to help address systemic racism and inequality. In July 2020, NBCU News Group Chairman Cesar Conde announced the Fifty Percent Challenge Initiative, an aggressive action plan to turn the NBCU News Group employee base to be 50% women and 50% people of color.