A new immersion program hosted by the Newhouse School in Los Angeles offered students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) an opportunity to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, media and storytelling.
The HBCU AI Immersion Experience drew 18 students for the daylong event on July 12 at the Syracuse University Dick Clark Los Angeles Program office in North Hollywood, California, which is the home of the Newhouse LA program. Organizers sought to give students a preview of emerging media technologies and career pathways in the entertainment industry.
The immersion included a hands-on workshop led by Milton Santiago, assistant professor of visual communications, in which students learned how to use AI-powered tools to create content that supports early stages of creative development for film, music and advertising projects. This included concept art, mood boards and visual sequences.
Held in partnership with the Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program (EICOP), the immersion provided students a look at the Newhouse School’s professional master’s programs. Attendees also were introduced to Newhouse LA, the semester-long academic program in which students take classes while also interning and building connections with alumni and industry professionals in Southern California.
Hua Jiang, interim associate dean of diversity, equity, inclusivity and accessibility, led a Newhouse team from main campus that collaborated with Newhouse LA, including director Robin Howard, to hold the immersion. It was the school’s fourth event over the last couple of years for HBCU students.
“This was an exciting opportunity to expand our reach beyond main campus and offer a glimpse into the future of the entertainment industry,” Jiang said. “AI has such potential to provide innovative ideas that can help creative minds shape their vision and work more efficiently.”
Wes Whiteside, associate director of diversity, equity, inclusivity and accessibiity, moderated an alumni panel that featured firsthand accounts from Newhouse graduates working in media and entertainment. Panelists offered practical advice and inspiration for those considering graduate study and a career in the entertainment field.
