Calling all students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs): You have a new chance to win big and celebrate your accomplishments through AT&T’s Rising Future Makers Showcase. This is the program’s third year of operation through their Dream in Black platform, and 50 HBCU students nationwide have already participated in past years. The application for 2023’s showcase is open now (yes, now!) through Nov. 6, so run, don’t walk to submit your application.
AT&T will select 25 winners among the applicants — specifically, they’re looking for students who are making an impact on their communities and seeking to be part of the next generation of leaders. AT&T will provide winners with support, mentoring opportunities, and more so they can realize their dreams of being social changemakers and leaders. It’s a great opportunity to be introduced to a wider network and form connections with new people that can help you in your ambitions for the future — not to mention, there are a couple gift perks that just sound really cool. ($5,000? You know you want it.)
If you’re intrigued by the prospect of being a Rising Future Maker, it’s time to find out if you’re eligible and toss your hat in the ring. Who knows? Maybe AT&T’s next Rising Future Maker is you.
Who is eligible to apply for AT&T’s Rising Future Makers Showcase?
According to AT&T’s press release, the program honors HBCU students “who are actively influencing and giving back to their communities and campuses.” You must be currently enrolled in an HBCU and between the ages of 18 to 25 to apply, and you’ll also want to be able to express how you’re making a difference on your campus or in your wider community.
The prizes for winners are pretty sweet.
As I mentioned before, 25 lucky students will win. Here’s what the winners will have access to:
- $5,000
- A 5G-enabled Tablet with one year of complimentary AT&T service
- A coveted Rising Future Maker letter jacket
- Exclusive access to industry events, mentoring opportunities, and more
The 25 winners will also get to attend an event hosted at the AT&T Headquarters where they can not only pick up their prizes, but also have access to HBCU talent-led industry panels, professional development workshops, and more. Simply put? AT&T is investing in your future, so don’t miss this opportunity.
The application process is simple.
Even if you’re on the fence about applying, know that doing so (even if you don’t win) is an act of service in and of itself: For every five applications AT&T receives, they’ll add $250 to a donation pool, allowing them to donate up to 200 laptops to high school students in the Atlanta area. Gen Zers’ education is deeply intertwined with the internet, so you likely know how important laptop access can be in high school — and, as AT&T noted in their press release, that it disproportionately affects communities of color — so this is reason enough to fill out an app.
To apply, simply head to the Rising Future Makers Showcase website, where all you have to do is record a 60-second video or write a 150- to 500-word blurb that details how you’re making a difference. The website also includes some helpful tips to make your submission the best it can be, and even provides examples from past submissions for you to check out for inspiration. Content creator and media specialist Blake Newby is also serving as this year’s Rising Future Makers coach, who will share tips for students looking to apply.
So if you fit the eligibility criteria and are hoping to make more of a difference on your campus or beyond, this is the perfect chance for you to jumpstart your career and put those plans into motion.