BET is investing in the next wave of Black creative and media executives with the launch of BET Next Gen, a new multi-track leadership development initiative focused on providing access, mentorship, and hands-on experience across the entertainment and media industry.
Announced Monday, the program is designed to cultivate future leaders through direct exposure to the inner workings of media, entertainment, branding, live events, and storytelling. BET Next Gen participants will work alongside communications, creative, and media executives while gaining insight into the strategic and cultural decisions that have helped BET remain a leading media brand for Black audiences for more than four decades.
Applications officially opened May 11 and will remain open through May 22.
The initiative features several career-focused tracks across the media ecosystem, including:
- Communications / PR
- Tentpole Production
- Marketing
- Ad Sales & Brand Solutions
- Brand Creative
- Talent Relations
- Social & Digital
According to BET, the expanded structure is intended to prepare participants for leadership roles across storytelling, audience engagement, branding, and cultural impact.
One of the standout aspects of the program is its Brand Creative track, which will be exclusively available to current HBCU students. BET says the focus reinforces the company’s continued investment in nurturing creative talent rooted in Black culture and community.
“BET Next Gen reflects BET’s long-standing commitment to creating leadership pathways to the spaces and platforms where culture is shaped,” said Louis Carr, President of BET. “HBCUs have long been incubators of Black excellence, innovation, and creative leadership, and through our Brand Creative track, we’re investing in the students who continue that legacy and amplifying institutions that have shaped generations of Black talent. This program opens doors to hands-on experience across BET’s live events, storytelling, and brand ecosystem, creating pathways that extend far beyond a single moment.”
Members selected for the 2026 cohort will contribute to BET’s major tentpole events, including the BET Awards, supporting both on-site productions and long-term business initiatives while receiving mentorship and professional development opportunities throughout the program.
Applications for BET Next Gen are available now through May 22 at BET Next Gen Application Portal.