The tenth class of Ailes Apprentice Program graduates were honored at Fox News yesterday. Over the last decade, 42 apprentices have been through the program that Fox News co-founder, CEO and chairman Roger Ailes started in 2003.
The AAP recruits and develops diverse talent at Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network. They are given a competitive salary, benefits and are mentored by Fox executives and others outside the news business for a one-year period. Upon graduation they are given a certificate, a stipend and sometimes even a job. Many graduates have gone on to prominent reporting or behind-the-scenes positions and 60 percent are still with Fox in some capacity.
This year’s graduation, hosted by Bill Hemmer and Harris Faulkner, featured guest speakers Dr. Bernice A. King, Dr. Alveda C. King, Bishop T.D. Jakes and special video shout outs from Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight and Rita Moreno.
Roger Ailes issued a statement about the program that was printed on the graduation ceremony program:
Our 2014 Ailes Apprentice class marks an extraordinary decade of inspiring success. In this tenth anniversary year, our program has continued to expand and provide Apprentices with job training, networking and volunteer opportunities to grow their careers. We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments and contributions to Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, and the media industry that our Apprentices have made over ten years.
This year’s class included Breana Jones, Megan Grogan, Felipe Tognarelli and Shavon White.