HPA (Hollywood Professional Association) has opened the call for applications for the 2022 Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP) program. Since its inception in 2015, the growing YEP program has supported the careers of talented creative, technical, project management and administrative professionals between the ages of 21 and 32 through mentorship, community building and educational offerings. Applications are due Monday, November 8 and applicants will be notified of their status in early December. The 2022 YEP class will begin in January 2022.

HPA developed the YEP program to nurture the critically important pipeline of young professionals growing into leadership positions, and YEP alumni continue to move into influential roles in the industry while maintaining their relationship with the program and HPA. An important evolution of the program has been its ability to connect program participants to each other, building a community of peers and a vibrant professional community for its alumni and entering classes.

“It has been nothing short of thrilling to see our YEPs making connections with program mentors that may help position them to contribute so much to our industry,” said Kari Grubin, who co-created the YEP program with fellow HPA board member and Women in Post Co-Chair Loren Nielsen. “Each year’s class builds on the work of the previous years which ensures a meaningful return on the investment of their valuable time.” Nielsen noted, “And, equally important, we see that YEP has truly become a community in and of itself where these talented individuals connect and share with each other.”

The YEP program provides immersion into HPA’s offerings and the M&E industry. During the first phase of the program (January through June), newly selected YEPs will attend the virtual YEP Orientation Program, followed by a variety of in-person and virtual events throughout 2022 including the celebrated HPA Tech Retreat February 21-24, 2022. YEPs will receive an invitation to all HPA events. YEPS will be expected to attend a minimum of 4 events (virtual and/or in-person) during their program year.

The second phase of the program will begin in June. Based on each individual’s participation and overall commitment to the program, each YEP will be evaluated by the mentorship committee for pairing with an industry leader from July to December. All YEPs will continue to have access to YEP and other HPA community events. At the end of the mentorship, YEPs will be evaluated by the mentorship committee for eligibility to receive the Certificate of Completion.

Seth Hallen, President of HPA, said “The YEP program is a true example of mutual benefit. It’s a privilege to help these worthy professionals achieve the full reach of their potential, and with their help we are building a better, stronger, more diverse industry. For those considering applying for the program, I can tell you it is absolutely worth every bit of energy you put into it. Please reach out to the HPA team to learn more – we encourage you to take that leap.”

To be considered for the YEP program, applicants need to complete an online application and present one letter of recommendation. To learn more about the YEP program and HPA, visit www.hpaonline.com.