The Super Bowl media scholars program by Chantelle George Consulting in partnership with the National Football League Gives scholars prime media access at the Super Bowl LIX.
The 17 media scholars selected for the inaugural Super Bowl LIX media scholars program were announced at Dillard University on Wednesday, Jan. 29.
“Young people have tremendous potential, untapped social capital, talent, but often don’t have access to rooms or social networks that they need to be to remain competitive in today’s workforce. So, I wanted to create a solution, and here we are,” said Dr. Chantelle George, CEO of CG Consulting.
This program is designed to grant students access to the media opportunities presented by the Super Bowl. Scholars will gain hands-on experience, network with professionals, and produce compelling stories to capture the essence of the Super Bowl and its importance to the city of New Orleans during the week leading up to the game.
Dr. Shaniece Bickham, program coordinator of mass communication and film at Dillard University said she believes that students should always have real-life experience coupled with what they learn in their classrooms.
“This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to really see the ins and outs of the media in a fast-paced environment and an amazing event in the Super Bowl,” she said.
The scholars include students from Dillard University, Loyola University, Xavier University of Louisiana, Tulane University, University of New Orleans, and Southern University at New Orleans.
One scholar, Zora Thomas, flew in the morning of this event to attend. “I’m just really happy to kind of get it kickstarted and I’m ready for this week,” she said.
“I’m excited to kind of just refreshen my skills and get back into it and also just be in this teamwork atmosphere, just helping other people. We’re all just helping each other out trying to have the most memorable experience when the Super Bowl is in New Orleans,” she continued.
Thomas, although a scholar herself, was a panelist at the announcement event, along with Nicole Waivers, executive director at 4WWL, Kati Weis, CBS reporter, and Daryll Forges, WDSU morning show anchor and former CNN reporter. In addition, guest speakers included Dr. Monique Guillory, President of Dillard University, Nicki Ewell, director of events at the NFL, Kim Boyle, supplier diversity chair of the Super Bowl Host Committee and board member of the Dillard University Board of Trustees, and Chincie Mouton, director of communications for the Super Bowl Host Committee.
“I was once in college, sitting in these same chairs, doing these same things and it took people who are in my position and positions of power to offer me advice, to open up doors for me for me to be where I am. So, I really want to pay it forward,” said Nicole Waivers on the importance of this program.
*Courtboullon Editor-in-Chief Zuri Primos is one of the 17 media scholars selected.
