The AVIXA Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2026 Brad Sousa Impact Fund, with grants awarded to US-based organisations The Loop Lab and the Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts.
The recipients were recognised during InfoComm 2026 in Las Vegas on June 14. The fund provides financial support to organisations that use audiovisual technology and digital transformation initiatives to deliver community programmes and workforce development opportunities.
The Loop Lab, a non-profit organisation based in Greater Boston, will use the funding to expand its media arts and pro AV workforce training programmes across Greater Boston and Western Massachusetts. The initiative provides project-based training in areas including live event production, audio engineering, video production, lighting, content creation and AV systems, alongside paid fellowships and employer engagement opportunities.
The Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts, a non-profit venue in Philadelphia, will use the grant to support its Music Industry Pre-Apprenticeship Program (MIAP). The programme combines technical training, mentoring and paid work placements across production companies, recording studios, theatres and scenic workshops.
Sarah Joyce, chief global officer and foundation executive director at AVIXA, said: “We are proud to recognise The Loop Lab and Highmark Mann for demonstrating how grassroots workforce programs mixed with pro AV tech skills training can be models for measurable, scalable impact on our industry.
“The Brad Sousa Impact Fund exists to support exactly this kind of transformative work. These organisations lift up communities of untapped AV talent to fill a real need in our industry.”
According to the AVIXA Foundation, the Brad Sousa Impact Fund supports projects focused on audiovisual skills development and digital transformation, with an emphasis on helping to build the future workforce for the AV industry.
The foundation is currently raising funds for the next round of grants, which will be awarded in 2027.
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