StreamElements Announces 2023 Creator Diversity Program

Today we are announcing the call to entry for the 3rd edition of the StreamElements Creator Diversity program!

Our program is designed to provide content creators from underrepresented groups–including, without limitation, Black, People of Color (PoC), LGBTQIA2S+, Women, and Individuals with disabilities–with education, gear, support, promotion, and some funds to help the recipients optimize their channels for success.

The following sections break down the benefits, eligibility, timeline, and more!

Benefits

Building off learnings from our previous programs, the 2023 CDP includes the following benefits for 16 selected recipients:

• Funds: $3,000 USD via PayPal for recipients to use as they see fit (e.g. equipment, graphics, professional services, etc.)
• Education: Monthly workshops and educational sessions featuring industry and on-staff experts. In addition there will be private group sessions from StreamerSquare on growth, self care, and safety & harassment along with 1-month premium access to their site.
• Support: A dedicated StreamElements account manager and access to a special Discord channel for any technical support or guidance.
• Gear: Creators will be able to opt in to receive an upcoming streaming product from Razer’s extensive suite of broadcasting gear.
• Opportunities: Optional early access to sponsorship campaigns with guaranteed base pay and training on how to optimize these opportunities for success.
• Promotion: Recipients will be featured on StreamElements’ social media channels including tweets and blog post profiles.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a member of an underrepresented group (e.g. Black, PoC, Women, LGBTQIA2S+, Individuals with disabilities).
• Be a Partner or Affiliate on Twitch.
• Stream at least twice (2x) per week.
• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Be located in North America (this includes Canada) or Europe.

The selection criteria will focus on creators who are dedicated to building a career in content creation, illustrate talent and growth potential, and have an inclusive community.

For the full terms of service, visit he application site below.

Application

Apply now at StreamElements.com/DiversityProgram. [Update: submission window has been closed]

Timeline

The Creator Diversity Program application deadline is March 31. Selected recipients will be notified on April 24. The program will begin on May 2, 2023 and will run through May 2024.

Not selected?

With thousands of amazing applicants over the years and only a small percentage making the program, we wanted to find a way to show our appreciation for everyone who took the time to submit for the program.

To that end, we will be inviting applicants to a special Discord channel which will be a safe space for creators of diverse backgrounds to network and collaborate with other like-minded individuals. We also plan to spotlight creators from this larger group on our social media channels.

Program inspiration and sentiment

To provide more context for the program is a quote from our new program co-director and feedback from recipients of the previous program.

Co-directing the 2023 program is StreamElements’ Creator Success Manager Taylor Shields. She has been involved with the previous CDP initiatives with this to say about today’s announcement:

“The inspiration for the Creator Diversity Program was witnessing a lot of the challenges marginalized content creators face from access to mentors and support to opportunities and equipment. Given StreamElements’ experience with all facets of streaming, from the technical side to helping creators engage with their communities through tools and sponsorships, we can provide the extra boost they might need to move up to the next leg of their journey. At a time when we are seeing the economy impact DEI initiatives across all industries, we view it as an important offering now more than ever.”

As the program continues to evolve, we are constantly evaluating what resonated with past recipients and making those focus areas. Among some of the positive sentiment we received from last year’s class are the following:

“Thanks to StreamElements’ Creator Diversity Program I’ve had the advantage to connect with people and brands in ways I never knew how to before, including other content creators who helped me determine the next steps in my journey. I have felt nothing but warm energy from everyone in this program and am blessed to have had this opportunity.” — ItsGapped

“In addition to helping upgrade my setup, StreamElements’ program improved my understanding of how to have a broader reach in the games industry and represent myself in online spaces. They also educated me on how to maintain healthy boundaries as a streamer and ways to better protect my mental health which were both a huge benefit.” — DonaTarte

“Without the program, I would’ve been behind the eight ball since it accelerated my development and creativity in several ways. From an assigned mentor and getting much-needed graphic upgrades to my stream to learning how to properly connect with brands, StreamElements’ Creator Diversity Program has helped my content creation career grow tremendously, and I’m forever grateful.” — DDS618

To read more about previous diversity initiatives and profiles, visit here.