OUR STORY
About EICOP
Founded to bridge the gap between education and industry, EICOP connects students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), and the communities it serves with the access, preparation, and career-building opportunities from campus to careers across the creative industries.
Our Mission
Building pathways from education to employment across the creative industries.
EICOP's mission is to create access, opportunity, and career pathways for exceptional emerging talent from HBCUs, MSIs, and the communities EICOP serves.
Through paid career-building experiences, housing support, mentorship, professional development, industry exposure, and access to leading industry organizations, EICOP prepares students to pursue sustainable careers across entertainment, media, sports, music, technology, and related creative industries.
“Talent is everywhere, but access is not. That’s why EICOP exists.”
Our Journey
2016
EICOP is founded under the Obama White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges & Universities.
2017
HBCU IN LA®® launches with its first summer cohort, placing nine scholars in paid internships across the entertainment industry.
2020
EICOP shifts to a fully virtual model, ensuring students continue to access career-building opportunities during the pandemic.
2022
EICOP returns to in-person internships and launches its first HBCU IN NY® cohort in New York City.
2023
HBCU IN Games launches, offering immersive gaming industry experiences for scholars
2024
EICOP expands to Atlanta with the launch of the first HBCU IN ATL®® cohort.
2025
HBCU IN MLB/MiLB launches, placing scholars with Major League and Minor League Baseball organizations. EICOP also hosts the inaugural LENS ON Emerging Talent Film Fellowship, where fellows developed an original short film project, completed principal photography, and showcased their film premiere on a major studio lot.
2026
EICOP launches the HBCU IN ATL®® Production Assistant Certification Program in partnership with Shadowbox Studios and Backlot Academy.
EICOP Over The Years
Join the EICOP Community
Whether you're a student, partner, or supporter — there's a place for you in the EICOP family.