Otis College and Netflix Launch Career Pipeline Program for Students from Underrepresented Communities

Otis College of Art and Design recently unveiled a partnership with Netflix to launch a new program that will give underrepresented students a leg up in exciting careers in entertainment. The Access: Netflix x Otis Entertainment Certificate Program, which is still accepting applications, leverages Otis’s leadership and commitment to diversity and Netflix’s unparalleled industry expertise to provide a unique opportunity for students of color, who have traditionally lacked access to jobs in entertainment marketing. Admitted students can choose between program tracks in design, editing, or illustration and will receive hands-on training from industry professionals through a six-month apprenticeship. They will learn critical art and design skills with Otis College, while receiving hands-on training from entertainment industry professionals.

“Otis College is grateful for Netflix’s partnership in launching this unique program for underrepresented students who are passionate about working in the entertainment marketing industry,” says Charles Hirschhorn, President of Otis College. “At Otis, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where all students can thrive in their personal, professional, and academic endeavors. We are thrilled that Netflix not only recognizes but also shares our commitment to providing ambitious students with the opportunity to learn and enter careers in entertainment marketing and design. We hope this program will empower the next generation of artists and designers and cultivate an inclusive entertainment workforce.”

Experience a Tailor-Made Curriculum

Beginning in Fall 2023, the 20-month immersive program blends hands-on coursework with mentorship and apprenticeship opportunities led by industry professionals in the entertainment industry. Students will learn from renowned instructors and leaders who are now at the heart of entertainment, as well as expert Otis College faculty. Courses for the certificate program take place across four terms and students can choose among three areas of concentration, including design, editing, and illustration. Once students complete the 14-month certificate coursework at Otis College, they will participate in a six-month paid apprenticeship with one of Netflix's creative agency partners. During this time, they will gain hands-on experience, build their portfolios, understand a day in the life of a creative in an agency setting, and participate in unique professional development programming. After completion of the program, students will be empowered to create artwork that applies design principles, research, experimentation, creative thinking, and individualized expression.

The inaugural program will launch with 18 talented students of color, all of whom will receive a full-tuition scholarship that includes the tools and resources needed to complete their studies. Applications are open through Friday, April 28, 2023.

“Securing a place for the next generation of creatives in entertainment marketing demands action—not in the future, but now,” says Rapha Vasconcellos, VP of Product Creative Studio at Netflix. “Without an emphasis on diversity and a concerted effort to include those from all backgrounds, not just a select few, our full potential for creative storytelling will never be reached. That’s why we’re excited to partner with Otis College of Art and Design on Access, a new program which aims to provide just that—giving unprecedented industry access to underrepresented communities of color, and helping them turn their passions into promising careers.”

As one of the most diverse colleges in the United States, with 77% of its student body identifying as people of color, Otis College is able to further its longstanding commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion with this new program. Supported in part by a major gift from Board of Trustees Chair Mei-Lee Ney, Otis has launched several DEI initiatives over the past two years. Otis also recently launched the Charles White Art and Design Scholarship, annually awarding two four-year, full-tuition undergraduate scholarships for students from underrepresented groups.

The recording from a recent information session about the Access: Netflix x Otis Entertainment Certificate Program will be made available on the program’s web page soon.