Always keeping its finger on the pulse of what's on the rise, BET.com announces it's candidates for Next in Class.

The exciting new venture aims to celebrate the newest young leaders, innovators and influencers who are rising to the top of their game in six pre-selected fields — social justice, entertainment, music, STEM, fashion and education.

After intense deliberation, nominees were narrowed down to three across each division. Some of those nominees included young starlet Shanice Williams (Dorothy of NBC's The Wiz Live!), social activist and educator Deray McKesson and Jason Bolden, coveted stylist for Hollywood A-Listers like Taraji P. Henson. 

With your votes, you can get in on the conversation and help decide who should be our Next in Class.

Voting is open now and winners will be announced on February 15.

(Photos from left: Joe Kohen/Getty Images for LinkedIn, Mark Sagliocco/Getty Images, John Sciulli/Getty Images for Kimora Lee Simmons)