Source: Spin Master

Spin Master Corp. is counting on the next generation to carry the company — and the toy industry — into the future.

The Spin Master Future of Play Scholarship program is a new initiative designed to support the education and career advancement of individuals from underrepresented communities, including BIPOC, women, LGBTQIA+, and indigent students. Spin Master is committing to investing up to $100,000 annually in financial aid in addition to mentorship and on-the-job experience opportunities for those pursuing careers in the company’s three creative centers: toys, entertainment, and digital games.

“Spin Master’s goal is to improve diverse representation within the children’s entertainment industry,” says Tara Deakin, executive vice president and chief people officer. “We’re committed to enriching the lives of kids and their families, sharing diverse stories, and fostering a unique and inclusive culture. The Spin Master Future of Play Scholarship embodies these values while also nurturing relationships with talented and passionate individuals who may not have access to the funds they need to pursue their dreams.”

Related: State of the Industry Q&A 2021: Spin Master

The Spin Master Future of Play Scholarship has opened in time for fall 2021 enrollment. The program will grant eight scholarships per year, including three entertainment, one gaming, and four toy scholarships (two in the U.S., two in Canada). The deadline for applications is July 23.

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book, a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book‘s weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel’s Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.

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