Students at Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School will soon have the opportunity to dive into the world of music entrepreneurship with the launch of the National Collegiate Entertainers Group (NCEG) Junior Program. Created by NCEG, a nonprofit organization founded in 2013 by college students at Georgia State University and focused on empowering the next generation of entertainment entrepreneurs, this new college readiness and mentorship program is designed to give high school students a head start in the entertainment industry by equipping them with essential skills and hands-on experience.
Following a successful pilot, NCEG has been invited to teach two elective courses at the school, making them the first to officially launch the NCEG Junior Program. This partnership is set to redefine how students prepare for future careers in entertainment, offering them an early introduction to industry standards and practices.
The NCEG Junior Program will offer two elective courses: an Introduction to Audio course and a Media Production course. These classes are designed to prepare high school students for leadership roles within the entertainment industry, particularly if they choose to attend a college or university with an active NCEG chapter. The program provides hands-on training and mentorship, enabling students to gain practical experience in areas such as audio production, artist relations, event management, and media production.
“We are thrilled to expand our reach through the NCEG Junior Program and offer Cristo Rey students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of music entrepreneurship,” said Derek Jackson, CEO of NCEG. “Our goal is to provide these students with the tools and confidence to succeed in the entertainment industry, whether they choose to continue their education in college or pursue entrepreneurial endeavors.”
The NCEG Junior Program is built on the success of the recent summer training camp held at Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School. During the camp, students participated in all aspects of event production, from audio engineering to concert management, culminating in concert-level productions attended by over 800 people per event. The camp not only provided valuable industry experience but also served as a fundraiser for future NCEG programming and Cristo Rey initiatives.
The NCEG Junior Program aims to challenge the notion that successful careers in the music industry are only attainable outside the university system. By integrating real-world experience with academic learning, the program helps students build a professional network and portfolio, positioning them for success upon graduation. Participants will receive official NCEG certifications, which will follow them should they choose to attend a college or university with an active NCEG chapter.
As the first high school to launch an official NCEG Junior Program, Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School is setting a standard for future collaborations between educational institutions and industry organizations. The Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII) is excited to support this initiative and looks forward to the continued growth and success of the NCEG Junior Program.
For more information about the NCEG Junior Program and the ongoing partnership with Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School, please visit www.nceg.org.
About the Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII)
The Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII) is a leading hub for media arts education and innovation, dedicated to preparing students for careers in the ever-evolving creative and media industries. Through cutting-edge programs, industry partnerships and state-of-the-art facilities, CMII offers a dynamic environment for students to explore their creative potential and pursue their passion for storytelling and media production.