Inaugural Super Bowl LIX Media Scholars Program includes Students from NOLA HBCUs

by Marlena Chertock |

XULA students participated in the inaugural National Football League Super Bowl LIX Media Scholars Program. Photo courtesy of XULA.

The 12th annual UNCF New Orleans Mayor’s Masked Ball on March 22 at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans, LA enables UNCF to raise funds to support deserving students across Louisiana. The premier fundraising gala and social event helps UNCF to invest in and build future generations of students who will lead the nation and contribute to our economy.

Earlier this year, students from several HBCUs in New Orleans, LA—including Dillard University (a UNCF-member institution), Southern University of New Orleans and Xavier University of Louisiana (a UNCF-member institution)—received a once in a lifetime opportunity to cover one of the biggest events in the sporting world through the inaugural National Football League (NFL) Super Bowl LIX Media Scholars Program.

The program, a partnership between the NFL and CG Consulting, selected 17 college students from New Orleans HBCUs as well as predominately white institutions, including Loyola University of New Orleans, Tulane University and the University of New Orleans.

Participants gained hands-on experience with NFL-sponsored events and the sports media industry, networked with industry leaders and crafted compelling narratives around the Super Bowl. The students developed media stories from exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Super Bowl LIX events.

Five students from Dillard and five current Xavier students, as well as a class of 2004 Xavier alumnus, were among those chosen for the program.

The majority of the students who were selected are studying journalism and mass communication. Through the program, students honed skills in broadcasting, content creation, interviewing, sports analysis and videography. Their experience covering Super Bowl events and networking with industry leaders will provide them with invaluable skills and help them to find opportunities after graduating.

Your donation helps students get to and through college and participate in unique opportunities like the NFL’s Super Bowl LIX Media Scholars Program.