JOMC Alumna Tapped for National Geo. Content Scholarship Program

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (May 20, 2026) — Jada Webb ‘26, who graduated from the mass communication program in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (JOMC) at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, has been selected for the highly competitive National Geographic Content Scholarship Program.

The program, offered in partnership with the United Negro College Fund and The Walt Disney Company, began during Webb’s time as a student in the spring academic semester and continues through an immersive professional development experience extending into the summer.

The National Geographic Content Scholarship Program provides students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with opportunities to explore careers at National Geographic, one of the world’s premier factual storytelling and media organizations. Through the program, participants engage with industry professionals, gain exposure to multiple areas of the brand’s global operations, and receive mentorship designed to support their transition into the media workforce.

As part of the scholarship, Webb has been paired with mentor Danny Clemens, director of social media at National Geographic. Working alongside Clemens and a cohort of scholarship participants, Webb has contributed research supporting the development of a new campaign focused on strengthening National Geographic’s approach to creator partnerships across science, adventure, travel, wildlife, and history storytelling. The initiative aims to develop and implement tools and strategies that expand the organization’s reach and impact across its social media platforms.

During the program, scholarship recipients learn directly from experts across National Geographic’s traditional media, experiences, and consumer products divisions, which collectively bring the brand’s storytelling to global audiences. Participants will also maintain ongoing engagement with assigned mentors, who will help guide their professional development and facilitate their entry into the workforce.

“Dr. Daphne Valerius and Dr. Ecaterina Stepaniuc (of the JOMC department) both brought this opportunity to my awareness and encouraged me to apply,” said Webb. “They also provided advice during the application process.”

This month, Webb will travel to Arlington, Virginia, to begin her immersive professional development experience, attending a preparatory conference featuring keynote speakers and Disney leadership representatives.

In June, Webb will travel to Washington, D.C., to the National Geographic headquarters, where she will meet her mentor in person and connect with fellow scholarship participants.

In addition to the professional development experience, Webb received a $10,000 scholarship to support her academic pursuits. She will continue her studies at the University of Southern California’s School of Communication and Journalism, where she will pursue an M.A. in public relations and advertising.

Click here to learn more about the National Geographic Content Scholarship program.