‘Star Trek’ Intern Program Goes Warp For CBS TV, Television Academy

CBS Television Studios and the Television Academy Foundation have a prime directive: a partnership to launch a unique Star Trek internship program in 2020 that will reflect the franchise’s core values of inclusion and diversity.

The program for undergraduate and graduate students is called the “Star Trek Command Training Program.” The announcement comes on the heels of the Television Academy Foundation’s “Power of TV” program, “‘Star Trek,’ 50 Years of Diversity and Inclusion,” showcased during its annual Faculty Seminar: The Conference, Nov. 4-6.

Star Trek has always challenged stereotypes by presenting a diverse and inclusive future and offering an optimistic outlook for interpersonal relationships. That approach is now adopted for the internship, designed to inspire and educate the next generation of television leaders.

Initially, the new program will place two interns per semester on a Star Trek series, beginning summer 2020, and is designed to provide a 360-degree immersion in the production process. Selected interns will be actively engaged in writers’ rooms, wardrobe design, on-set production, animation, and post-production on Los Angeles-based programs.

The Academy Foundation will oversee the application, vetting and enrollment of interns, while CBS will coordinate mentorships and facilitate the program curriculum. The Foundation will also offer the interns lifetime professional support through its alumni program.

The Star Trek Command Training Program application period for eligible college students will begin today and go through Jan. 21, 2020 for those 18 years and older. Final selections will be announced at the end of March. To apply, visit TelevisionAcademy.com/internships.

“When Gene Roddenberry created the original Star Trek series over 50 years ago, it challenged stereotypes and championed diversity and inclusion in an unprecedented way,” said Alex Kurtzman, executive producer, who oversees the Star Trek universe. “The Command Training Program is our commitment to expanding that inspirational vision across the entire Star Trek canon. The Star Trek universe is an ideal place to celebrate new voices and perspectives. We want to provide the framework to begin entertainment careers in a meaningful way and can’t wait to get started.”

“This partnership is an extraordinary opportunity to provide students with remarkable on-the-job training and experience in a creative environment that embodies intersectionality onscreen and behind the camera,” said foundation chair Madeline Di Nonno. “The success of our foundation alumni is a testament to the impact of our educational programs, and considering the values inherent in this new program, we have ever greater expectations for the students whose careers will be jumpstarted with this new internship experience.”