June 24, 2022

Snapchat Has Launched A Mentorship Program For Black Creators

Snapchat has officially launched ‘The Black Creator Accelerator,’ a mentorship program to help emerging talent jumpstart their careers. 

The scheme which falls under Snapchat’s content-accelerator program, 523, will see the social networking app invest $3 million into emerging Black creators. In addition, participants will learn creative skills and knowledge to help them pursue successful careers. 

Snapchat’s announcement follows similar actions by other tech companies who have decided to help bridge the gap and create an industry that reflects the diversity within our communities. 

“The launch of this accelerator program is part of our broader, ongoing efforts to ensure that content on our platforms reflects the diversity of Snapchatters and their interests,” Snapchat said in a press release. 

“Black creators face unique systemic barriers across the creator industry – one of the ways we can help remove some of those barriers is to provide mentorship and financial resources to emerging Black creators in the early stages of their professional career.”  

The one-year scheme will provide 25 aspiring Black creators with a $10,000 monthly stipend. Not only will participants receive extra funding, but they will also undergo mentorship from top creators and gain access to some of the app’s newest features. Mentees on the scheme will also receive a new smartphone in partnership with Google Pixel to help them pursue their creative endeavors.

Other companies such as Westbrook Media and UNCMMN are also set to join the program to provide insightful workshops and a tailored educational curriculum for all members. 

Applications for Snapchat’s program are open until August 12, 2022, and creators will receive a response by early September.  

The application is available on Snapchat’s website for those wanting to join.

Kumba Kpakima

Kumba Kpakima is a reporter at POCIT. A documentary about the knife crime epidemic in the UK got her a nomination for the UK's #30toWatch Young Journalists of the Year.