Every January just ahead of Black History Month, people from all backgrounds join together in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his messages of peace, unity, and equality. Now more than ever, we understand the need for creating a world where we meet one another with respect and dignity to ensure a better future for all. At HARMAN, diversity, inclusivity, and teamwork are a part of our DNA, and we’ve dedicated ourselves to bringing underrepresented voices to the table.

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Taking a step in this direction, we wanted to bring more unique development opportunities to students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) who are working toward a career in the music and audio industries. With this in mind, HARMAN’s legendary audio brand JBL recently announced a new mentorship program: JBL Campus SoundSessions.

Just launched this month, the JBL Campus SoundSessions program was developed in partnership with Culture Creators, the organization dedicated to connecting cultural pioneers and showcasing the contributions of individuals shaping the world’s view of Black culture. The program was designed specifically to address the challenges minorities face in the workforce by connecting participating students to professionals who work behind the scenes and senior leaders from the music and audio industries. For any student aspiring for a career in music production, marketing, business, technology, or engineering, JBL Campus SoundSessions will provide participants with an unparalleled insider’s access to the industry.

Over the course of six in-depth, curated conversations, JBL executives and influential music industry professionals will share their personal stories of growth, professional development, and provide insights on how to succeed in the music industry with 100 participating students. Available at all HBCU campuses, the JBL Campus SoundSessions program will provide exclusive access to hiring managers for internships and post-graduate employment opportunities to help students get their foot in the door, as well as the chance to receive a $25,000 scholarship toward their education. Qualified students who virtually attend all six JBL Campus SoundSessions will also receive an official certificate of completion to include on their CV and the eligibility to apply to $50,000 in JBL SoundScholarships for the 2021-2022 school year.

Featuring one-of-a-kind insights on careers in gaming, music engineering & production, automotive audio design & engineering, and more, the JBL Campus SoundSessions’ curriculum will align with various cultural moments from January through April, including National Mentorship Month, Black History Month, and Women’s History Month. Guest speakers include Valeisha Butterfield-Jones, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at The Recording Academy, and Royce Channey, Global Director of Design at Huemen, HARMAN’s award-winning design agency – with many more exciting guests to be announced.

“HARMAN and JBL have a rich history of breaking down barriers in the music industry and helping musicians and audio professionals achieve success,” said Ralph Santana, Chief Marketing Officer at HARMAN. “We are honored to partner with the Culture Creators and provide the opportunities that will encourage and support the next generation of industry leaders and tastemakers.”

At HARMAN, we have long been committed to empowering the next generation realize their potential through the power of music, technology, and service. Through our partnership with The Culture Creators and other collaborators, we remain dedicated to helping all young people gain access to the education and opportunities that will help them achieve their goals. To stay up to date on JBL Campus Sound Sessions and other future opportunities, follow @jblcampus and @theculturecreators on Instagram or visit: https://jblcampus.com/