Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. Communication Bridge Program Fund
Hands-on learning that bridges
communication and cultural connection.
The Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. Communication Bridge Program, generously supported by alumnus Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., offers transformative experiences for University of Miami School of Communication students. This program is designed to cultivate empathy, build intercultural understanding, and develop cultural competencies through real-world experiences.
This competitive program provides opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students to engage with communities distinct from their own. By participating, students will enhance their communication skills in diverse environments while broadening their perspectives.
Unique Experiences
Explore immersive opportunities such as study abroad, language immersion, cultural exchanges, internships, or research projects.
Financial Support
Receive up to $2,500 to cover travel and tuition costs for approved summer activities conducted between May and August.
Timeline
- Applications Open – Mid January
- Applications Close – End of January
- Awards Announcement – Early March
- Experience & Reflective Essay Due – Mid August
*This fund is to support a summer experience.
Requirements
- Must be a student at the School of Communication, currently enrolled full-time and returning with at least one semester left
- Must have a 3.0 GPA or higher
Application Steps
- Submit an application
- Proposal Requirements (not to exceed 500 words):
Proposed Communication Bridge Experience
- Description of home and host communities
- Significance of proposed experience in host community
Proposed Summer Activity
- Explain type of academic, internship, or research activity
- Describe your relationship with the agency, organization, or host community
Please attach (not counted in the 500 words)
- Include information about the program or sponsoring agency
- Brief statement and signature of Communication School faculty in support of your proposed summer activity
Past Recipients
Luísa Ferreira
Advertising Management Major
Cannes, France
Luisa’s first trip to Europe took her to the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, where she gained access to industry leaders and ideas that shaped how she sees her future in advertising. For Luisa, the experience provided “access to rooms [she] never imagined entering this early in [her] career” and a greater understanding of what’s possible.
Talia Bedar
Motion Pictures Major
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
Talia’s summer in Barcelona pushed her beyond her comfort zone while building her confidence, professional skills, and curiosity. From creating a portfolio that helped her land her top-choice internship to considering a career in crisis communication, she returned home with “an excitement to learn” and confidence in navigating new experiences independently.
Jonathan Padrino
Creative Advertising Major
Barcelona, Spain
JP’s three weeks in Barcelona gave him the opportunity to network internationally as he prepares for a career in Art Direction. From visiting media companies and agencies to experiencing Catalan culture firsthand, he reflected that the experience helped him “immerse [himself] in a culture far beyond [his] expectations” while gaining a firsthand look at “the inner workings of the industry.”
Sophia Mazza
Broadcast Journalism Major
Barcelona, Spain
Sophia’s time in Barcelona helped her contextualize her broadcast journalism studies within a “dynamic global media landscape,” with visits to TV3, Ogilvy, and other international companies. The experience “broadened [her] understanding of the communications umbrella” while introducing career paths she hadn’t previously considered.