The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) announced Friday (June 19) that they have launched a new paid internship for students who are currently enrolled in historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States, according to Variety.

“We have a responsibility to seek to nurture talent and empower the next generation of Black leaders in the music business, just as we do on the creative side,” said ASCAP Senior Vice President, Rhythm & Soul Nicole George-Middleton. “Our goal is to provide experience within ASCAP and to help our interns connect with the larger industry as they pursue their careers.”

Howard University, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University and Bennett College will start as initial partners. Students who are chosen for the program, which will run through July and August, will gain real-world experience in the music industry. The interns will work closely with ASCAP professionals who are in their field of interest. The deadline to apply is June 29.

“This program is a natural extension of ASCAP’s ongoing work to create and evolve a culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects and serves the incredible diversity of our ASCAP membership,” said ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews. “By creating a new pipeline for college students to gain music industry work experience, we hope to provide meaningful mentorships and opportunities to new generations of Black leaders who will influence the future of the music business.”

Earlier this week, REVOLT reported that Netlfix CEO Reed Hastings and his wife Patty Quillin donated $120 million to support scholarships for students at HBCUs. Hastings announced the record-breaking donation, which will be split between Morehouse College, Spelman College and the United Negro College Fund, during an interview on “CBS This Morning.”

“What happens is that white capital tends to flow to predominantly white institutions. It’s just what you know and are comfortable with and have grown up with,” Hastings said. “[Dr. Michael Lomax] offered to help Patty and I get to know the HBCUs… And then this year, with the tragedy in America and everyone feeling hopeless, we realized this is the time to do something bigger and to really try to bring the HBCU story front and center.”