California community college students will have increased access to highly competitive film industry experiences
April 26, 2021 - SACRAMENTO, Calif. —The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office last Friday announced a new partnership with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to increase California community college student access to 
highly coveted summer internships with major film studios.
“California community college students are learning all the skills necessary to enter the film industry from directing to cinematography, costume design to editing. Their life experiences, many of whom are part-time students, juggling families, work and education, give them a unique perspective on storytelling and that’s why I am so excited about this partnership with the Academy and California’s major film studios,” said California Community Colleges Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley.
Established in 2017, the Academy Gold Rising Program is a talent development, diversity and inclusion initiative designed to enhance internship experiences under the Academy brand. The initiative ultimately helps cement, strengthen and clarify long-standing but independent efforts to address concerns of accessibility and opportunity for underrepresented communities throughout our country.
“We’re grateful to Chancellor Oakley and his team for this opportunity to provide more opportunities across the film industry to students at California community colleges,” said Christine Simmons, chief operating officer, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. “We’re eager for students participating in Academy Gold Rising to gain deeper knowledge of the various professions in film, and also recognize that the industry at large will be greatly enriched by the experiences and insights they have to share.”
Each year, the Academy receives close to 10,000 applications per year for 80 to 100 internships. Under this new partnership, up to 10 internships for the production track will be set aside for California community college students.
“The Academy Gold Rising Program gives students and recent graduates from around the world access to technical experiences with people who can shape their future careers in film,” said Bettina Fisher, director of Educational Initiatives, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. “We look forward to matching the interests of community college students to the needs of our industry partners to put them on a pathway to success.”
The Academy Gold Rising Program works in conjunction with various studios, industry suppliers and key organizations to create an eight-week paid summer educational and networking experience as the first part of a multi-tiered program. The curriculum puts an emphasis on high-quality industry talent to help college students acquire the knowledge, skills, and connections to achieve success as they navigate above-the-line and below-the-line full-time careers in entertainment, while offering unprecedented and exclusive access to the industry through the Academy’s more than 10,000 members. Funding for the partnership’s development is provided in part by a grant to the Academy Foundation from The James Irvine Foundation.
“The California community college experience is about providing students with classroom instruction and hands-on learning that leads to high wage, high growth jobs in their career of choice,” said Sheneui Weber, vice chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development. “This is an incredible opportunity for our students to showcase their amazing talents, to share their stories, and pursue career opportunities right in the capital of the global film industry!”
About the California Community Colleges
The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 73 districts and 116 colleges serving 2.1 million students per year. California community colleges provide career education and workforce training; guaranteed transfer to four-year universities; degree and certificate pathways; and basic skills education in English and math. As the state’s engine for social and economic mobility, the California Community Colleges supports the Vision for Success, a strategic plan designed to improve student success outcomes, increase transfer rates and eliminate achievement gaps. For more information, please visit the California Community Colleges website or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
About the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a global community of more than 10,000 of the most accomplished artists, filmmakers and executives working in film. In addition to celebrating and recognizing excellence in filmmaking through the Oscars, the Academy supports a wide range of initiatives to promote the art and science of the movies, including public programming, educational outreach and the upcoming Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
Source: CCC
