N.C. A&T Students, Recent Alumni Gain Career Experience Through BET Next Gen Program

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (July 30, 2026) – Five students and recent alumni from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences were selected from nearly 3,000 applicants for the BET Next Gen program, a yearlong leadership development initiative preparing the next generation of media and entertainment professionals.

The program prepares emerging media and entertainment professionals through mentorship, networking and hands-on industry experience. Participants are selected for one of six career tracks: Communications & Public Relations (PR), Tentpole Production, Talent Relations, Brand Creative, Social & Digital and Ad Sales & Brand Solutions.

During the 2026 BET Awards Weekend in Los Angeles, participants worked alongside Erica Knox, BET’s Social Impact and Corporate Communications Manager and leader of the BET Next Gen program, as well as other industry executives, producers, communications professionals and creative leaders while supporting the BET Awards, one of the entertainment industry's premier live productions.

The following students and alumni were selected for the program and reflected on how the experience shaped their professional growth:

Brentavius Boyd ‘25, mass media production alumnus (Communications & PR track): “Being part of the production showed me that I belong in these spaces and gave me an even clearer vision for the career I’m building.”

Brooke White, rising senior, public relations major with a minor in marketing (Communications & PR track): “BET Next Gen has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my college career, strengthening my passion for communications and public relations.”

Bryce Graham, rising senior, multimedia journalism major with a minor in marketing (Social & Digital track): “Building meaningful relationships with faculty and mentors showed me the importance of networking, and BET Next Gen reinforced how those connections can shape your professional journey.”

Christén Davis ‘26, journalism and mass communication alumna with a minor in information technology (Communications & PR track): “Being selected for the BET Next Gen program was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that affirmed my passion for entertainment.”

Jordynn Holley ‘24, mass media production alumna (Tentpole Production track): “This opportunity gave me hands-on experience in set design and a firsthand look at how a production like the BET Awards is planned, built and executed.”

While each of their experiences were unique, they agreed that their experience in North Carolina A&T’s Department of Journalism and Mass Communication as “Crosby Kids” equipped them to excel in a professional setting. Collectively, they credited rigorous coursework, faculty mentorship, internships, student organizations, campus leadership and volunteer service with preparing them for the opportunity while reinforcing the value of building meaningful relationships beyond the classroom.

“Take risks to get where you want to go, and step into every room with confidence, knowing you represent not only yourself but North Carolina A&T as well,” Holley said. “Opportunities like this allow us to open doors and create new paths for the next generation to follow.”

As the yearlong BET Next Gen program continues, these Crosby Kids will participate in ongoing mentorship, professional networking opportunities and future BET productions.