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In 2015, under the auspices of HPA’s Women in Post, HPA launched a significant mentoring initiative, the Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP) program. Since that time, YEP has grown into an important part of HPA and the community. HPA leaders saw a critical need to cultivate and encourage the next generation of industry professionals and have remained committed to providing that support.  From the first class in 2015, we found an incredibly gifted, talented and hardworking group of young men and women who are anxious to extend their horizons. Every year, the number of applications has increased, and YEP alumni continue to move into influential roles in our industry.

Applications are now open for the 2020 class of YEP, seeking creative, technical, project management and administrative applicants between the ages of 21 and 32.

Now in its 4^th year, we have updated the YEP program to include two distinct sections. Section 1 will run for 5 months (October through February), beginning at the YEP orientation at the SMPTE Annual Technical Conference in Los Angeles through the end of the HPA Tech Retreat in Palm Desert. Attendance at the YEP orientation on October 23rd is mandatory along with one other event during the four-month period.

Section 2 of the YEP program will begin in March. Based on each individual’s participation and overall commitment to the program, the YEP class will be evaluated by the Mentorship committee for custom pairing with an Industry leader from late March to September in addition to receiving free or reduced fee access to YEP and other HPA Community events. At the end of the mentorship section, YEPs will be evaluated by the Mentorship committee for eligibility to receive the Certificate of Completion.

During the course of the Young Entertainment Professionals program, each YEP will receive the following:

• YEP orientation day/SMPTE ATC Floor Pass
• Entrance to the HPA Awards
• HPA Tech Retreat Conference Pass
• Annual Membership in the HPA
• YEP Roundtable Event
• Digital Certificate of Completion (based on Mentorship Committee Review)
• Discounted or free admission throughout the year to HPA NET, Women in Post, and YEP events

The YEP program is rich in education and mentorship and, if selected, YEPs spend a year with access to an array of opportunities and benefits. The class of 2020 will launch with a full day, mentor-led mandatory event at the SMPTE Conference on October 23, 2019 where YEPs meet their class and spend time with industry leaders. Upon successful completion of the YEP program, graduates will receive formal recognition as an HPA Class of 2020 Young Entertainment Professional at a culmination event.

To be considered for the YEP program, applicants need to fill in an online application and present one letter of recommendation.

This is a powerful opportunity for any young professional looking to forge a path in the professional working community in media and entertainment.  HPA’s first three classes of YEPs have been rewarded with a supportive community and latest-available knowledge by engaging with HPA and industry leaders. The industry, and HPA and SMPTE, gain the benefit of these young leaders and their perspective.