ColorComm is an organization that provides professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities for women of color across various industries. Their HBCU fellows program specifically targets students and recent graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who are interested in careers in communications, marketing, media, and related fields.
Overview of ColorComm
ColorComm was founded in 2011 by Lauren Wesley Wilson, a former communications executive. The organization’s mission is to advance women of color through professional development programs, networking events, and advocacy initiatives. Some key facts about ColorComm include:
- Has over 5,000 members across 12 chapters in major US cities
- Provides scholarships, mentorships, training programs, and internship opportunities
- Partners with over 50 major companies and brands
- Has awarded over $200,000 in scholarships to date
In addition to the HBCU fellows program, ColorComm has initiatives like the Executive Leadership Program which provides C-suite mentorship to mid-career professionals. They also host national conferences like their annual ColorComm Conference.
Overview of the HBCU Fellows Program
The ColorComm HBCU Fellows Program was launched in 2017. It is an intensive career development program focused on helping top talent from HBCUs jumpstart their careers.
Some key details about the program include:
- 1-year fellowship program for graduating HBCU seniors and recent alumni
- All fellows receive a $10,000 scholarship award
- Designed to increase representation of Black talent in communications, media, and marketing
- Provides access to exclusive networking, mentoring opportunities, and events
The application process is highly competitive – the program typically receives 200-300 applicants and only selects around 15-20 fellows each year.
Program Curriculum and Components
The HBCU Fellows program provides a robust curriculum and set of experiences to help fellows maximize their first year after graduation. Key components include:
- Career Coaching & Training – Each fellow is matched with an executive coach who provides 1:1 career mentoring. They participate in group workshops focused on skills like building your personal brand, acing interviews, networking, workplace etiquette, salary negotiation and more.
- Thought Leadership Events – Fellows attend exclusive speaker events, panel discussions, and fireside chats. Recent events had speakers from companies like Google, LinkedIn, and more sharing career and industry advice.
- National Conference – Fellows receive an all-expenses paid trip to the ColorComm annual national conference which connects them with hundreds of leading professionals in communications and marketing.
- Alumni Networking – Fellows are connected with ColorComm’s alumni network of over 5,000 professionals which helps them build their industry network.
- Internship & Job Placement Support – The program provides support in finding and securing internships and full-time job opportunities, often partnering directly with brand partners.
In addition to these components, fellows are expected to participate in volunteer opportunities, attend local ColorComm chapter events, and complete any assessments required to track program outcomes.
Notable HBCU Fellows Alumni
Many ColorComm HBCU fellows have gone on to accomplish amazing early career success. Here are a few notable alumni from the program:
| Name | HBCU | Class Year | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erin Ashley Simon | Spelman College | 2016 | Manager of Influencer Marketing at Google |
| Armando Momplaisir | Morehouse College | 2018 | Recuiter at The Atlantic Media Company |
| Jordan Hora | Clark Atlanta University | 2021 | Junior Marketing Specialist at LinkedIn |
As you can see, fellows have gone on to gain employment at top tech companies, media outlets, agencies and more. The program’s track record for turning HBCU students into rising industry stars is exceptional.
How to Apply
Applications for the 2023-2024 ColorComm HBCU Fellows cohort will open in October 2022. The application requires the following:
- Online application form & questionnaire
- Current resume (2 page maximum)
- 2 short essays (500 words each)
- Unofficial school transcript
- Letter of recommendation
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Currently enrolled senior at an accredited 4-year HBCU OR graduated from an HBCU within the past 3 years (2020-2022).
- Must be authorized to work in the United States.
- Strong passion for media, communications, marketing, or public relations.
- Must not previously have participated in the ColorComm fellows program.
The application period runs from October 1st through November 15th annually. All applicants are notified if they have been selected for a phone interview by late November. Final fellows selections are made by early January.
Conclusion
The ColorComm HBCU Fellows Program provides an unmatched opportunity for students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities to receive the training, mentoring, and access needed to successfully begin careers in communications, marketing, and media. For any students interested in these fields, this highly competitive program is worth applying for.
In just a few years, ColorComm fellows gain skills and connections that put them years ahead in their careers – leading many to land jobs at top companies right after graduation. The program’s emphasis on elevating diverse talent leads to life-changing outcomes for fellows.
