Women-led music company Femme It Forward is accepting applications for its second year of Next Gem Femme, a mentorship program designed to empower and increase opportunities for young women of color in the workforce.

Pairing promising talent with female leaders in music, media, entertainment and tech, the program returns with more than 100 mentors.

Through the yearlong arrangement, mentees will receive exposure to real-time projects with ongoing professional coaching, industry insights, networking and relationship-building opportunities. At least half the spaces will be awarded to students at HBCUs, and select participants will be provided with scholarships, stipends and professional headshots.

“We’re thrilled to build off the incredible success of the program’s first year and grant even more opportunities to young women of color who will, in turn, create more equity in the workplace,” said Femme It Forward President/CEO Heather Lowery.

“Joining this program has really changed my life. I have developed a genuine bond and friendship with my mentor, Natina Nimene," added 2021 Next Gem Femme mentee and recent Def Jam hire Tierra Gray. “This is my dream job, so I am very thankful and appreciative for this program and my mentor.”

This year's mentors include Def Jam EVP/4th & Broadway prez LaTrice Burnette, Interscope VP of A&R/artist manager Baroline Diaz, Apple Music Head of R&B Alaysia Sierra, Patriot Management/i am OTHER’s Alexandra DePersia, Warner Records SVP A&R Ericka J. Coulter, Range Media Partners’ Neelam Thadhani, Capitol Music Group SVP Digital & Content Rebecca “Dimplez” Ijeoma and more.

The application period closes on 6/3 at 11pm PT. Mentors and mentees will be paired in August. For more info and to apply, click here.