New Voices, Bold Stories: HBCU Stars Illuminate Hollywood at Grand Central Air Terminal

Star-Studded Showcase Celebrates HBCU Talent, Paving the Way for Hollywood's Future Storytellers

The iconic Grand Central Air Terminal in Glendale, California, founded as a hub for aviation legends like Howard Hughes and Walt Disney, witnessed a modern renaissance on August 1, 2025. The historic terminal served as the backdrop for the HBCU IN LA Student Showcase, an event dedicated to celebrating the creative talents of students and alumni from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Organized by the Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program (EICOP), in collaboration with Disney on the Yard and Disney Future Storytellers, the showcase highlighted a new generation of storytellers poised to reshape the entertainment industry.

EICOP, established in 2017 with the support of the White House's initiative on HBCUs under former President Obama, has emerged as a vital conduit for underrepresented talent seeking to break into Hollywood. The program emphasizes not only internships but also a comprehensive support system designed to empower students amid their transition to Los Angeles—a transformation accelerated by the pandemic's global upheaval. According to Stacey Milner, EICOP's Founder and CEO, the pandemic underscored the necessity of creating a space where students could share their stories and foster a sense of belonging while navigating the complex landscape of the entertainment industry.

The Student Showcase serves as a crowning achievement for EICOP's annual programming, allowing participants to present their projects to an audience that includes industry leaders, corporate partners, and fellow creatives. This year's event featured a diverse range of works, including the Emmy-winning short documentary “The Hidden Sport,” which highlights the culture of HBCU marching bands. Other noteworthy contributions included “StarChild” by Miya Scaggs, “Crooked Halo” by Ssuuna McKitty, and “Mechanical Pencil 2” by Amari Jones. Each film and project displayed the rich tapestry of talent and creativity coming from HBCUs, reaffirming their significance in the broader narrative of media and entertainment.

One of the standout features of EICOP is its commitment to providing practical resources for students entering the industry. With the generous support of The Walt Disney Company, the program offered 85 paid internships this summer—ensuring that students had access to housing, meals, and professional experiences regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds. Throughout the summer, Disney hosted 11 interns across various divisions, including ABC, ESPN, and Walt Disney Studios. Milner's heartfelt address to the audience underscored the program's spirit: "This is not just about internships; it’s about belonging." The emphasis on community and collaboration illustrates how these budding creatives are not just honing their skills but also building lasting connections with one another.

EICOP's statistics speak volumes about its success, boasting a placement of 527 students and a remarkable 89% intern-to-hire conversion rate. This year alone, participants earned over $3.7 million in wages, showcasing the transformative potential of such opportunities. Avis Lewis, Vice President of Human Resources for Walt Disney Imagineering, attended the event and shared her pride as an HBCU graduate. She passionately remarked on the caliber of interns produced by the program, emphasizing how initiatives like EICOP are critical in cultivating and showcasing diverse talent within the entertainment industry.

EICOP's reach is expanding beyond California, with initiatives now extending to New York and Atlanta. New programs have been launched, including HBCU IN MLB, focusing on sports business internships in professional baseball, and a new gaming initiative supported by Activision. These developments reflect EICOP's commitment to providing diverse student leaders with vital access, skill-building, and mentorship across various sectors, including media, sports, and technology.

The 2025 HBCU IN LA Student Showcase was more than just a celebration of student films; it represented a cultural shift within the entertainment industry. As Milner inspiringly stated, “This is not a feel-good program. This is real.” The students who showcased their work are not just dreamers; they are actively shaping stories that reflect their experiences, communities, and aspirations. They prove the potential of HBCU graduates as the storytellers of tomorrow, meant to thrive in spaces like Hollywood.

The event left a lasting impression on all attendees, signaling the power of representation and the importance of nurturing talent from diverse backgrounds. As these young creators continue to rise, they carry with them the hopes of a community eager to see its stories told authentically. The HBCU IN LA initiative stands as a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and opportunity in a competitive industry. It reinforces the idea that the entertainment landscape is richer and more vibrant when it reflects the diversity of voices that define it. In coming years, as these emerging storytellers continue to break boundaries, one can only imagine how their contributions will resonate and inspire future generations.