The third annual NATPE Diversity Fellowship Program will kick off at the LATV Festival in Los Angeles, July 30 through Aug. 1.

The fellowship program, which is presented in collaboration with the Walter Kaitz Foundation, will give 24 emerging television and video creators of color the opportunity to advance their careers. As guests of NATPE at the LATV Festival, they will attend a series of mentoring meetings, workshops and networking events.

“NATPE is proud to present and support the annual Diversity Fellowship Program. The future of our business will be shaped by these young content creators and this initiative represents a significant opportunity for their career development,” Rick Feldman, NATPE’s president and CEO, said in a statement.

A list of the 24 Fellows is available at http://www.latvfest.net/index.php/Information/2008-Diversity-Fellows.html.

The Fellows were chosen through a submission process, with support from industry organizations that promote diversity in media industries. BET, the NATPE Educational Foundation, the Walter Kaitz Foundation, ESPN, Fox Networks Group and Scripps Network are among the sponsors.

Former TV producer Carole M. Kirschner and former William Morris agent Ray Solley are mentors for the Diversity Fellowship Program.

“The Kaitz Foundation is honored to partner with NATPE on this important and growing program. NATPE’s leadership combined with the support of cable industry networks represent the leading edge in content development and distribution and are providing these young people with extraordinary access to the key players and decision makers from all segments of the television industry,” David Porter, executive director of the Walter Kaitz Foundation, said in a statement.