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Happy Holidays from all of us at the Television Academy Foundation!

Cris Abrego, Chair of the Board of Directors and Jodi Delaney, Executive Director of the Television Academy Foundation

For more than 60 years, the Foundation has provided students nationwide with a direct connection to industry access, career pipelines, and professional development while also preserving the history of television for generations to come.

As we approach the end of another eventful year - one that saw our internship program grow to the largest numbers in the Foundation’s history, program alumni achieving their own Emmy nominations and wins, and so much more - we want to extend a humble thank you for the support you’ve provided in 2021.

In 2022 we will serve more students than ever before, with program growth, expanded alumni engagement and continued innovation in delivering our services both in-person and virtually. Next year our Interviews archive team will also begin a long-term preservation process with our partners at the USC Digital Repository - while we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this unparalleled resource.

Our very best wishes to you and yours for a healthy and joyous new year.

Inside the Foundation’s Giving Suite Backstage at the Emmys

At the 73rd Emmy Awards this year, Emmy-nominated performers, honorees and content creators and awards presenters helped raise funds for the Foundation’s world class education programs, which provide the next generation of television executives and creatives with a direct pathway into the industry.

Michaela Coel, Billy Porter, MJ Rodriguez, Jason Sudeikis, and Kate Winslet were just a few of the many stars stopping in to support the Foundation’s work while browsing luxury products and autographing items to be auctioned by the Television Academy Foundation. You can view photos of the Giving Suite here.

Welcome to Our New Board Members

The Foundation’s Board of Directors continues to grow with leaders from across the industry providing their time and expertise in service to our students and programs. Please join us in welcoming Netflix Vice President of Overall Deals and Series Nne Ebong and Freeform Executive Vice President of Programming and Development Jamila Hunter as our newest members .

As vice president of overall deals on the Netflix series team, Ebong is responsible for leading the development of series under creative partnerships with Shonda Rhimes’ Shondaland and former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions, among others.

As executive vice president of programming and development at Freeform, Jamila Hunter oversees all scripted and unscripted development and current originals for the Disney-owned Gen Z network. She returned to Disney in 2020 after acting as president of Khalabo Ink Society, Kenya Barris’ production company.

Emmys Golf Classic

Cedric the Entertainer hosted the 21st Annual Emmys Golf Classic on October 25, raising over $400,000 for the Foundation’s renowned Internship and College Television Awards programs.

Despite a rare rainy day in Los Angeles, television stars, sports luminaries, entertainment industry executives and Television Academy leadership competed in the golf tournament at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California. You can view photos of the day here.

Faculty Seminar: The Conference

Industry luminaries including Matt Strauss, Gloria Calderón Kellett, Ivana Kirkbride, Jorge Gutierrez - who is also a Foundation alumnus - and many others participated in the annual Faculty Seminar conference in November. The industry heavyweights provided college and university educators with VIP access to curriculum-enhancing seminars, delivering the latest news on the art, science and business of television.

This year we launched the Alex Trebek Legacy Fellowship, made possible by a generous gift from The Harry & Judy Friedman Family Foundation. The Fellowship provides equal access and financial support to educators-in-need nationwide. When the conference returns to an in-person format, the fund will be used to provide additional support in the form of conference registration fees, travel and lodging costs, and other expenses incurred by fellowship recipients.

Congratulations to the 41st College Television Awards Nominees

Earlier this month the Foundation announced nominees for the 41st College Television Awards, honoring excellence in student-produced programs from colleges nationwide. Fifteen works are nominated from 185 entries as well as one winner of the Loreen Arbus Focus on Disability Scholarship announced in advance, who will receive $10,000 for their accomplishment.

Thank you to the Television Academy members who dedicated their time to judging the submissions. We can’t wait to celebrate with you at the College Television Awards ceremony at the Saban Media Center on March 26, 2022, in conjunction with the virtual College Television Summit.

DONATE YOUR VEHICLE TO THE TELEVISION ACADEMY FOUNDATION

We’ve teamed up with Car Easy for a vehicle donation program so you can support the Foundation’s education and preservation programs by donating your used vehicle. You can claim fair market value for your donation up to the actual sale value. We’ll take care of everything – and it’s completely tax deductible! Vehicle pick-up is free – no matter the condition. And no contact pick-up is available.

When you donate your used car, truck, RV, motorcycle or boat, you are empowering young people to pursue their professional and creative dreams. Make a lasting impact and visit our vehicle donation page today!

Welcome Miracle Bizira, Senior Director Education Programs

Finally, we want to introduce you to our newest team member. Miracle Bizira has joined the Foundation as the Senior Director, Programs.

Prior to joining the Foundation team, Miracle was the associate director of career and external relations at the University of Southern California Iovine and Young Academy where she formed partnerships with leading business, design, and technology companies including Apple, Adidas, Verizon Media, and Ernst & Young for student recruitment and experiential education.

She will oversee the strategic and day-to-day operations of the Foundation's education programs and online archive The Interviews: An Oral History of Television.