DENTON (UNT), Texas — The University of North Texas Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism has been selected to take part in NBCUniversal News Group’s NBCU Academy, a new multiplatform journalism training and development program for four-year university and community college students.
As one of 17 NBCU Academy partners from around the U.S., UNT’s Mayborn School has received a two-year $500,000 grant for equipment upgrades, course development and scholarships.
NBCU Academy will focus on reaching students from underrepresented groups, including those with diverse racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, economic and geographic backgrounds.
As a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution, UNT is dedicated to offering the support and resources that students from many different backgrounds need to succeed. Its nationally accredited Mayborn School prepares students from all walks of life to practice, teach and conduct research in journalism and mass communication for organizations around the country.
"For 75 years, UNT's Mayborn School of Journalism has equipped students for successful media careers in our rapidly changing world," UNT President Neal Smatresk said. “Thanks to a new partnership with NBCUniversal News Group, we will continue helping diverse storytellers launch their careers.”
Through NBCU Academy, Mayborn students can learn from the expertise of NBCU News Group journalists, executives and management from editorial and production teams across NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC and Telemundo who will participate as guest lecturers to provide real-world insight and mentorship. Additionally, students may have opportunities for reporting partnerships and internships, which can help them stand out to future employers.
“Creating an inclusive culture for journalism that represents the communities we serve is at the very core of what we do,” NBCU News Group Chairman Cesar Conde said. “Through NBCU Academy, we have the opportunity to widen our extraordinary legacy by building on-ramps for a talented generation of journalists and storytellers who — for so long — may have been overlooked.”
Read more about NBCU Academy in the announcement from NBCUniversal News Group.
ABOUT THE MAYBORN SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM
The Frank W. And Sue Mayborn School of Journalism at the University of North Texas prepares more than 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students for careers in Print/Digital Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, Advertising, Public Relations and Photojournalism. The Mayborn School counts 16 alums as winners or finalists for the Pulitzer Prize. Other top alums hold top prizes in advertising and various strategic communications fields. Mayborn faculty brings more than 400 years of real-world experience to classrooms each day. This year, the Mayborn School is celebrating 75 years of formal journalism instruction at UNT. For more information, visit journalism.unt.edu.