FoundationThe Television Academy Foundation fall internship selectee Chrisie Morris currently attends California State University, Long Beach. (photo courtesy of the Television Academy)

Grover Cleveland Charter High School alumna Chrisie Morris has been selected for the prestigious Television Academy Foundation Fall Internship Program. She is one of just nine students chosen by Television Academy members from across the country for the 2023 fall program. The Foundation’s Fall Internship Program provides 13-week, part-time, paid internships at top Hollywood studios and production companies to college students nationwide.

Morris, a junior at California State University, Long Beach, is an illustration for pre-production major. She will be an intern this fall in the children’s programming development department at Mr. Clown Productions in Los Angeles.

“I am most excited about the high caliber, hands-on learning experience this internship offers,” Morris said. “As a high achiever who aims for the best, I believe this program is the right environment for me to continue my professional growth. Being a former foster youth, I have had to overcome many hardships such as growing up in poverty and living in adverse environments. In that time of my life, my ability to dream of a bright future was suppressed. I held on to my love for creating art and believed that someday my life would be in a better place, one where I can show the world my ideas. I eventually was able to live independently, attend college for art, and joined foster youth-support programs, which has contributed immensely to my success today.”

Morris said that her career goal is to direct her own animated feature film idea.

“Until then, I want to experience working as a producer, creative executive, art director and production designer,” she said. “I love both the production and creative side of the animation industry, so I’m striving to create a well-rounded and flexible career for myself.”

The internship program also provides professional development sessions and customized seminars covering personal brand-building and navigating the job market ahead for participating students. Interns also become lifelong members of the foundation’s alumni family, giving them access to events and networking opportunities as they build their careers in the industry.

The Television Academy Foundation shapes the art of creating television by engaging and educating the next generation of television professionals providing essential resources that help them discover their voices, refine their skills and forge rewarding careers in every sector of the television industry. The internship program annually provides students from across the nation with hands-on work experience, mentorships and opportunities for accelerated career development in more than 30 industry disciplines.

For students interested in applying for the 2024 Summer Internship Program, visit emmys.com/foundation/programs/internship/apply. The submission period opens on Nov. 8.