Spotify is committed to amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups, and that starts with empowering the creators who will shape our industry’s future.
NextGen is Spotify’s ongoing program designed to infuse, activate, and grow podcast and creator culture on college campuses. Through our Creator Equity Fund (CEF), we’ve expanded NextGen to support historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), including Spelman College, Howard University, North Carolina A&T State University, and Hampton University.
This year, the program has funded $60,000 in scholarships to Hampton University’s Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications. Each student will be awarded $6,000 toward the 2023-24 academic school year.
After a competitive selection process, we are excited to announce this year’s 10 scholarship recipients: Ayan Ar-Raheem Harris, Bella May, Caitlyn Fitzpatrick, HoneyRose Smith, Isaac Harris, Nyla Adams, Riana Ward, Samiyah Hall, Sophia Guerra, and Trinity Polk.
Learn more about these talented students and their aspirations.
Ayan Ar-Raheem Harris (she/her)
Junior, Journalism
How can scholarships and learning opportunities like Spotify’s NextGen help HBCU students?
By offering scholarships and mentorship opportunities, Spotify’s NextGen initiative alleviates the financial burden on HBCU students and empowers us to pursue our academic and career goals.
Who are some creators of color who inspire you, and if you could collaborate with any of them, whom would you choose and why?
Issa Rae and Ryan Coogler are two phenomenal talents. From Insecure to Black Panther, Rae and Coogler have changed the impact of Black film and television within the last decade. If I could work with them, I would tell more stories about young adults in college, especially at HBCUs.
What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?
I want to create a platform for young Black women in film to collaborate and network. I hope to inspire more Black girls to engage in the visual arts.
What’s your favorite Spotify playlist, podcast, or audiobook?
My favorite playlist on Spotify is Quinta Brunson’s Taste—it’s the perfect blend of R&B, jazz, hip-hop, and neo-soul. My favorite podcast is NPR’s Code Switch. Each episode I gain insights into my culture, both in America and abroad.
Bella May (she/her)
Junior, Journalism
How can scholarships and learning opportunities like Spotify’s NextGen help HBCU students?
As an HBCU student, it is important to recognize that this world has not always stood for equality, and resources and tools have not been equally distributed. Thus, scholarships and learning opportunities like Spotify’s NextGen support Black students. Those students—like myself—can achieve their dreams thanks to it. Simply put, we are paving the way for our careers.
Who are some creators of color who inspire you, and if you could collaborate with any of them, whom would you choose and why?
The authenticity and family-oriented dynamic of Jeannette Reyes inspires me. Jeannette is a former FOX 5 DC anchor whose Dominican and Black cultures bleed into her work. It is also evident that she is a mother, a wife, and a daughter. It would be a dream to work with Jeannette since she embodies everything I strive to be: a bilingual and authentic journalist who puts family first.
What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?
As a creator, I strive to bridge the gap between communities and facilitate these important conversations. It is not a black or white world; there is so much gray in between. The goal is to impact and influence the younger generation in every community. I will start as a journalist and end as a news anchor.
What’s your favorite Spotify playlist, podcast, or audiobook?
My favorite Spotify playlist would have to be one I created called Baddie. There are a lot of songs on the playlist that lift me up when I’m down and make me feel empowered.
Caitlyn Fitzpatrick (she/her)
Sophomore, Journalism
How can scholarships and learning opportunities like Spotify’s NextGen help HBCU students?
Learning opportunities and scholarships can help HBCU students because they influence students to follow their dreams without having to worry about how they will have to pay for them. Giving students these resources also helps them take over for the next generation!
Who are some creators of color who inspire you, and if you could collaborate with any of them, whom would you choose and why?
Jayla Henry, Monet McMichael, and Keith Lee. Henry because I always watch her videos and keep up with her lifestyle, both of us are from the Midwest, and I love how she spends quality time with her family. I chose McMichael because she is my favorite person to see vlog her day, and I love how she expresses herself with her beauty and grace. Lastly, I chose Lee because he is a man of his word and he always inspires and helps the community, which I also strive to do.
What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?
I hope to have my own sports agency one day and to continue with my podcast, The Blackfluence Podcast, in the future.
What’s your favorite Spotify playlist, podcast, or audiobook?
That would have to be my podcast, The Blackfluence Podcast.
HoneyRose Smith (she/her)
Freshman, Journalism
How can scholarships and learning opportunities like Spotify’s NextGen help HBCU students?
Scholarships and learning opportunities allow us to receive valuable information and financial aid, decreasing the burden of paying for school. This, in turn, allows us to flourish as students.
Who are some creators of color who inspire you, and if you could collaborate with any of them, whom would you choose and why?
Some creators of color who inspire me are @justinescameraroll_ and @jaidabunni on Instagram. If I could collaborate with either of them, I would work with Jaida because she is around my age, and I love her bold fashion sense.
What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?
I hope to garner the ability to be shamelessly myself. I have so many ideas that I often hesitate to pursue because I am so focused on the opinion of the world around me.
What’s your favorite Spotify playlist, podcast, or audiobook?
My favorite Spotify playlist is Boo Thang <3, my favorite podcast is She Speaks w/ Gabby, and my favorite audiobook is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Wendy Ellison Mullen.
Isaac Harris (he/him)
Senior, Strategic Communications
How can scholarships and learning opportunities like Spotify’s NextGen help HBCU students?
They help HBCU students in every aspect. Financially, of course, but most importantly by presenting HBCU students with opportunities to express their creative talents and to inspire young Black creatives across the board.
Who are some creators of color who inspire you, and if you could collaborate with any of them, whom would you choose and why?
DJ Envy, Joe Budden, and Lil Yachty. These Black men have personally inspired me from their drive to being unapologetically themselves both on- and off-screen.
What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?
I hope to help others see their own beauty and potential through my lens, and through my words. I hope to continue capturing candid moments and raw emotions to help viewers stay in that moment, feel the atmosphere, and walk away with a slightly better outlook.
What’s your favorite Spotify playlist, podcast, or audiobook?
My favorite Spotify playlists are 70s Soul Classics and RapCaviar, my favorite podcast is A Safe Place by Lil Yachty, and my favorite audiobook is Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki.
Nyla Adams (she/her)
Freshman, Journalism
How can scholarships and learning opportunities like Spotify’s NextGen help HBCU students?
They give HBCU students the resources to elevate themselves and the spaces around them. Specifically, Spotify’s NextGen scholarship helps students become aware of new opportunities while also receiving financial aid support towards their college education.
Who are some creators of color who inspire you, and if you could collaborate with any of them, whom would you choose and why?
Toni Bravo, Kyra Nikole, and Les. These women inspire me because they are so beautifully themselves, regardless of the internet’s opinions. If I could collaborate with any of these creators it would be Les, because listening to her podcast feels like I am gaining knowledge from a big sister.
What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?
I hope to achieve the strength to be able to put myself out there online without caring about the opinions of the internet.
What’s your favorite Spotify playlist, podcast, or audiobook?
My favorite podcast is Balanced Black Girl by Les.
Riana Ward (she/her)
Senior, Strategic Communications
How can scholarships and learning opportunities like Spotify’s NextGen help HBCU students?
Scholarships and opportunities of this magnitude can help shed light on the diversity of young Black creators. The access to unique learning experiences for HBCU students helps empower us to pursue our academic and career goals with greater ease and confidence.
Who are some creators of color who inspire you, and if you could collaborate with any of them, whom would you choose and why?
Tyler, The Creator, Nyla Symone, and Quenlin Blackwell. I would love to collaborate with Nyla due to her authenticity and the appreciation she has for Black music and our culture.
What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?
I hope to create a place of community within my following, especially among people who share my passions and interests.
What’s your favorite Spotify playlist, podcast, or audiobook?
I love my daylist and the We Said What We Said podcast with Rickey Thompson and Denzel Dion.
Samiyah Hall (she/her)
Senior, Strategic Communications
How can scholarships and learning opportunities like Spotify’s NextGen help HBCU students?
Representation and opportunities are crucial in showing HBCU students that they too can thrive in corporate music spaces. It’s important for everyone to see diverse voices and backgrounds represented at all levels. It not only encourages students but also enriches the industry with a broader range of perspectives and talent.
Who are some creators of color who inspire you, and if you could collaborate with any of them, whom would you choose and why?
I would love to collaborate with Pharrell Williams, Tyler, The Creator, and Childish Gambino. I believe all of them have contributed so much, not only to music but also film and fashion. Their styles are so unique and they continue to outdo their previous projects!
What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?
I hope to inspire others through my journey. For me, being a creator holds little meaning if I’m not also encouraging people to embrace their authentic selves.
What’s your favorite Spotify playlist, podcast, or audiobook?
My favorite Spotify playlist is Feelin’ Myself.
Sophia Guerra (she/her)
Sophomore, Strategic Communications
How can scholarships and learning opportunities like Spotify’s NextGen help HBCU students?
They allow students to focus more on their studies because they are less worried about the financial cost of their education. This scholarship excels the HBCU experience by providing opportunities to students that will allow them to grow thanks to access to resources, networking, and professional development, all of which provides them with an enhanced educational experience and preparation for their careers.
Who are some creators of color who inspire you, and if you could collaborate with any of them, whom would you choose and why?
Pat McGrath. McGrath is a globally renowned makeup artist who uses her skills to inspire the beauty industry. Through her makeup line, McGrath creates new looks that foster innovation, artistry, and inclusion. I believe that I can capture her work and tell her story through a visual process.
What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?
As a creator, my goal is to inspire people to reach their full potential no matter the circumstances. Though everyone grows up differently and faces different obstacles, persistence is key. I hope that by using my skills, others can see how far I have come and be encouraged to continue their own growth.
What’s your favorite Spotify playlist, podcast, or audiobook?
My favorite Spotify playlist is RNB X, my favorite podcast is The Receipts Podcast, and my favorite audiobook is Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan.
Trinity Polk (she/her)
Sophomore, Journalism
How can scholarships and learning opportunities like Spotify’s NextGen help HBCU students?
In our communities, people often struggle to break out of generational curses, go to college, pay for college, and afford the dreams they want to achieve. Initiatives and programs like these are essential because they close the gaps built against us, allow students to make a difference, fund our goals, and provide access to invaluable resources, mentorship, and industry connections. NextGen is a light that helps HBCU students unlock their full potential.
Who are some creators of color who inspire you, and if you could collaborate with any of them, whom would you choose and why?
I am constantly inspired by creators of color like Marsai Martin, Coco Jones, and Keke Palmer. While they are known for acting, music, and entertainment, I love the trailblazing spirit they all possess. I admire the change they made as women of color and, on top of that, their being so young while doing it. I would love to collaborate with these creators to continue spreading positivity, empowerment, and awareness.
What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?
I aim to use my voice, career, and platform to motivate, help, and inspire everyone, while simultaneously being a journalist who challenges the media’s negative portrayal of communities. My goal is to spark conversations on essential topics, break down stereotypes, and leave a lasting impact locally and globally. In addition, I want to produce content that radiates positivity and motivation to encourage people to reach their full potential.
What’s your favorite Spotify playlist, podcast, or audiobook?
The Self Love Fix is one of my favorites. This podcast has helped me on my journey of personal growth, teaching me about self-love, self-worth, and how to grow mentally, physically, and emotionally.
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