Hollywood Professional Association (HPA) has opened the call for applications for its 2023 Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP) program, which supports the careers of talented creative, technical, project management and administrative professionals between the ages of 21 and 32 through mentorship, community building and educational offerings. Applications for the 2023 class are due November 1 and applicants will be notified of their status in early December. The 2023 YEP class commences in January 2023.
HPA has established the program to develop a young, diverse group of professionals into leaders that will foster the next generation critical to our industry’s future. Since the program’s genesis in 2015, more than 150 young professionals have graduated and gone on to assume influential roles in the industry while maintaining their relationship with the program and HPA, with many in turn becoming mentors themselves. Each class has built a community of peers and a vibrant, diverse professional network for its alumni and entering classes.
The YEP program provides immersion into HPA’s offerings and the media and entertainment industry. During the first phase of the program (January through June), newly selected YEPs will attend the virtual YEP orientation program, followed by a variety of in-person and virtual events throughout 2023 including the celebrated HPA Tech Retreat in Palm Springs, February 20-23. YEPs will receive an invitation to all HPA events and will be expected to attend a minimum of 4 events (virtual and/or in-person) during their program year.
The second phase of the program will begin in June. Based on each individual’s participation and overall commitment to the program, each YEP will be evaluated by the mentorship committee for pairing with an industry leader from July to December. All YEPs will continue to have access to YEP and other HPA community events. At the end of the mentorship, YEPs will be evaluated by the mentorship committee for eligibility to receive the Certificate of Completion.
Seth Hallen, President of HPA, said, “With each YEP class, our industry becomes stronger, and we have more brilliant and inspiring people to work with as we push the limits of what is possible. I encourage every young person to consider applying: to build a diverse community, to connect with seasoned mentors, to access all kinds of career-changing events, and to learn an incredible amount of valuable information to power your thinking.”
To be considered for the YEP program, applicants need to complete an online application and present one letter of recommendation.
