BlackBerry targets the best and brightest women in the UK for BlackBerry Scholars program

aliciakeysBlackBerry Scholars Program – a multi-level strategy to engage young women across the globe in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

BlackBerry is reaching out to women in the UK to urge them to apply for the new BlackBerry Scholars Program, an initiative designed to inspire women globally to enter and develop careers in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Led by BlackBerry Global Creative Director, Alicia Keys the BlackBerry Scholars program will offer ten full, four year university scholarships to outstanding female candidates. The BlackBerry Scholars Program is available to women across the UK and will provide scholarships to outstanding applicants who are seeking degrees at accredited local colleges and universities in the areas of STEM across the UK.

“Women are underrepresented in fields of science and technology, and we feel strongly that it’s time to drive a change,” said BlackBerry Global Creative Director, Alicia Keys. “It’s important to connect the dots for young women in school and college, and show them that careers in science and technology are within their reach. And when women do land these jobs, it’s vital they receive the mentoring and support they need to advance in their careers. I’m proud BlackBerry is demonstrating leadership in women’s education, both in school and in the workplace, and giving back to its most loyal users in such a profound way.”

Applications are now open to candidates in the UK, who are interested in the scholarship, and will close on June 26 2013. The scholars will be selected by a panel of inspirational and accomplished women, led by Alicia Keys, who will recruit candidates based on their academic merit and passion for entering the mobile computing industry.

This scholarship program is the first step in BlackBerry’s long-term commitment and multi-tiered strategy to engage young women at every step of their education from school to college, and as they rise through their careers. As more than 55% of BlackBerry customers are women, BlackBerry aims to champion this generation of female leaders as they strive to achieve their ambitions in this highly-competitive industry.

For those interested application is now open and will close on June 26, 2013. For more information about the program, eligibility requirements, and how to apply, please visit www.blackberry.com/scholars.  Please spread the word on Twitter by using #BBScholars.

Raindance and Staffordshire University Announce an Autumn 2012 Intake

– Postgraduate Training Programme with Distance Learning Option –
Raindance – a leading UK film industry network and training organisation – is pleased to announce that
applications for its September/October 2012 intake are now open.

The Postgraduate Film Degree Masters Programme, available in both MA and MSc versions, was launched
in 2011 and designed to meet the needs of emerging filmmakers. It is based on a proven formula that
includes Raindance courses, industry networking (including one-on-one tutorials) and self-directed study.

From October 2012, both MA and MSc are available as a distance learning option, making the course
available to anyone with internet access wherever they are based in the world.

Raindance’s groundbreaking postgraduate degree enables students to set their own individual career and
project objectives. This is made possible by an unrivalled collaboration between Raindance, the
Independent Film Trust as a charity established to advance the cause of independent filmmaking, and
innovative academics at Staffordshire University who introduced the UK’s first single honours degree in
Film, Television and Radio Studies in 1990. Graduates of the Raindance programme are awarded an M.A.
or M.Sc. degree that is academically validated by Staffordshire University.

Students manage their own schedule and modules which are developed in regular discussions with their
tutors in one-on-one tutorials. Depending on the student’s needs and interests, the investigations could lead to an M.A. in Directing Independent Films, an M.Sc. in Digital Cinematography, or highly specialised issues like Producing Films with Crowd Funding or Writing Fantasy Screenplays, that traditional institutions would not be able to offer.

Raindance founder, Elliot Grove, said: “I am delighted to be working with one of Britain’s most forward-looking universities to deliver a programme designed to respond to the changing filmmaking climate, and the constantly changing influences of digital filmmaking and distribution techniques.”

Veteran producer Carl Schoenfeld who has overseen Raindance’s educational strategy said: “Students are
empowered by skills that enable them to take responsibility for their own learning throughout the course and beyond. This is a great opportunity for filmmakers anywhere in the world keen on developing
themselves in an inspirational higher education environment. This course allows them to explore their own individual voice and trajectory into the film industry and culture around them.”

James Fair of Staffordshire University says: “We have always pursued a combination of relevance and
excellence at Staffordshire. We feel that the partnership with Raindance demonstrates our ability to provide flexible learning opportunities that correspond to the demands of the workplace. This will be where theory and practice meet, mirroring the complex realities of filmmaking.”

Since 1992 Raindance has developed and delivered pioneering industry-relevant filmmaking courses which
combine practical and theoretical training. Raindance trained filmmakers include such legends as Edgar
Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz), Oscar® winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park,
Downton Abbey), Guy Ritchie (Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels; Sherlock Holmes), Matthew Vaughn
(Layer Cake, Kick-ass), and Christopher Nolan (Memento, The Dark Knight, Inception).

Applicants starting the programme on 9 September (London) and 15 October (Distance Learning)