Vance Byrd Mentorship

A group of people, all in black, posing for a picture at the BAFTA TV Tea Party in LA.

Living in Los Angeles and looking for support as you take your first career steps?

The BAFTA Vance Byrd Mentorship Program is a four-year program that offers talented youth from across Los Angeles sustained access to BAFTA’s new talent programming. Participants engage with real industry professionals through guest speakers, workshops, annual stipends, mentorship opportunities, and scholarship support.

While we work closely with Title I schools and partner organizations that share our commitment to expanding access, an invitation is not required to apply. Any individual who meets the eligibility criteria is welcome to submit an application.

Who can apply?

Applications for the 2027 cohort are now open.

To apply, applicants must have:

Graduated from high school in 2025, or be graduating in 2026
Intend to remain in the greater Los Angeles area for higher education or professional training
Received a recommendation from a teacher, educator, or mentor
Demonstrate curiosity and passion for the art forms of the moving image

Participants are not required to study film, television, or games as part of their higher education. If you feel that you are the right fit for the program, we encourage you to apply.

Applications are due Friday, 26 June at 12:00 PM PT.

The selection process

Final selection is made by an anonymous panel of industry professionals in Los Angeles, and their decision is final.

If you are unsure whether you qualify, require support, or need assistance with any part of the application, please contact initiatives.us@bafta.org.

Meet the 2025 Vance Byrd Mentees

A young black man in a blue shirt, smart trousers and a red waistcoat and bow tie. He is stood in front of a silver car.

Find out more about Vance Byrd

In 2014, through our work at George Washington Preparatory High School in South Los Angeles, BAFTA mentors were introduced to Vance Byrd. Everyone who met Vance, even briefly, came away with the distinct impression that he was an extraordinary young man, with a unique voice and an abundance of promise. He found expression for his talent through the film program in his classroom and was encouraged and championed by his teacher Mr. McCane, the Washington Prep faculty, and mentors from BAFTA.

Vance began to focus on the technique of filmmaking, learning about the camera and editing. By the end of the year, he not only directed his short film, he became a leader among his peers, stressing the importance of education and commitment. He was engaged, forward-looking and was applying to college.

Vance was murdered in front of his home in late 2015, and his sudden and tragic loss was keenly felt by the teachers and students at Washington Prep, as well as by those of our mentors who had worked so closely with him. In response to this loss, we established the ‘High Flyers’ program, to engage students like Vance outside of school, and provide them with opportunities that are too often denied to young people in their communities.

In 2021 we expanded that program, naming it after the exceptional student who inspired it. Vance will continue to provide the motivation and focus of this program long after his passing.

Find out more about the Vance Byrd Program