Atlanta, GA – August 1, 2024 – The National Collegiate Entertainers Group (NCEG), a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders in music and entertainment, is proud to announce the launch of its groundbreaking ten-year social experiment aimed at addressing critical challenges in the music industry. Spearheaded by CEO Derek Jackson, this ambitious initiative is set to reshape the industry by tackling issues such as technology disruption, incentivized gatekeeping, and the high costs of development. During NCEG’s recent launch event, Derek Jackson unveiled NCEG’s innovative solutions and the organization’s strategic use of academic institutions and industry partnerships to provide emerging artists and professionals with the tools and resources needed to succeed. Jackson shared insights into the creation of the NCEG Training Program and introduced the industry’s "New Deal" program, which is poised to make a significant impact on the future of the music industry. “Our organization has spent the last decade conducting a comprehensive social experiment focused on music industry education. The results of this research have highlighted three major problems that plague the industry: technology disruption, incentivized gatekeeping, and the prohibitive costs of artist development,” said Jackson. Key Problems Addressed: Technology Disruption: The music industry has long struggled with adapting to technological advancements, leading to significant revenue disruptions. NCEG is reimagining the role of college campuses as hubs for research and development, similar to how institutions like MIT and UGA drive innovation in their respective fields. Incentivized Gatekeeping: Traditional gatekeeping in the music industry has evolved, with knowledge and access now being leveraged by industry elites. NCEG’s new model aims to democratize access to industry knowledge and resources, reducing the power imbalance that has long existed. Development Costs: The high costs associated with artist development have been a significant barrier for emerging talent. NCEG’s New Deal program addresses this by providing a business model that makes artist development and discovery more accessible and sustainable. NCEG’s Achievements: Engagement with over 250 companies in the music industry to identify pain points and collaboration opportunities. Over 1,000 students enrolled across eight colleges and universities, primarily in Georgia. $100,000 in revenue generated solely through student-driven initiatives, without external backing. The NCEG Training Program is the culmination of these efforts, offering a comprehensive framework for training professionals and launching new brands. This program, described by Jackson as the "NCAA of The Music Industry," is designed to be utilized within educational institutions to create a new pipeline for industry talent. In addition to the training program, NCEG is launching the NCEG Stats platform, a data-driven system that tracks the performance of artists and executives, providing valuable insights into their progress and impact. Jackson emphasized the importance of community and collaboration in achieving these goals: “Our vision is to create a goal-centric community that utilizes shared knowledge and experience to train professionals and launch new brands. We are calling on industry professionals, educators, and business owners to join us in this mission.” NCEG is actively seeking coaches, educators, and industry partners to support its programs. Additionally, the organization has launched a fundraising campaign with a goal of raising $25,000 to establish a scholarship program by fall 2025. For more information on how to get involved, visit app.nceg.org. About NCEG: The National Collegiate Entertainers Group (NCEG) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders in the music and entertainment industries. Through innovative programs and strategic partnerships, NCEG provides emerging artists and professionals with the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry. Contact: National Collegiate Entertainers Group (NCEG) Website Email: Dasha@nationalceg.org