Since its launch in 2021, the program has awarded 24 community education organizations supporting aspiring M&E creators around the world. The three-year sponsorship period granted to each organization includes membership to the global Avid Learning Partner (ALP) program, Avid creative tools software licenses (Pro Tools, Media Composer, Sibelius), training and certification for staff, and course materials and certification for students.
A committee made up of select Avid employees and the ACA Executive Committee evaluated each applicant based on their program's impact and commitment to advancing diversity, equal access and inclusion in the media and entertainment industry. The organizations selected for sponsorship of Avid Learning Collective 2024 are: Black Women in Post Production, Instituto Criar, KORP Foundation, Queens Defenders, South Georgian Bay Media Association and YR Media.
Deb Sanders, Chief Customer Officer, Avid “We are excited to continue working with organizations and initiatives that bring diversity and support underrepresented creators in the media industry through the Avid Learning Collective. Each year, Avid is proud to partner with a new group of incredible organizations from around the world,” they explain.
Marcy Lefkowitz, Media Technology & Workflow Executive and Co-Chair of the ACA Board of Directors He added, “Our collaboration with the Avid Learning Collective winners helps us shine a light on creators and storytellers who have traditionally gone unnoticed. It's a fantastic opportunity to not only fill a gap in tools and resources, but also connect people and communities to a larger network.”
Avid Learning Collective 2024 Winners Details:
Black Women in Post-Production (BWIPP) is a UK-based network made up entirely of Black and Black mixed race women and non-binary creatives working or aspiring to work in post-production. Their goal is to close the opportunity gap and empower, inspire and nurture underrepresented talent through networking, events and training.
TV, Movies, Nova Mideas Laboratory Located in São Paulo, Brazil, Instituto Criar aims to promote the professional, socio-cultural and personal development of vulnerable young people through audiovisual and technology. It is a completely free program and since 2005, more than 2,800 people have experienced Instituto Criar's technical and socio-cultural training experience.
of KORP Foundation Located in Buffalo, New York, the organization breaks down barriers to education and employment for underprivileged families by providing needed resources, guidance and opportunities, and also partners with Villa Maria College.
Queen's Defendersis a non-profit, multi-purpose social service agency based in Queens, New York that envisions a justice system that treats everyone equally and takes a compassionate, holistic approach. They are running a video pilot program in their soon-to-open studio facility, where they will teach audio post and video production workflows to students tasked with producing PSAs and short video programs.
of South Georgian Bay Media Association (SGBMA) is a dynamic collective of media and film artists based in Ontario, Canada fostering creativity and friendship in the fields of media and film arts. Underrepresented students can attend their programs free of charge and they also work with Saugeen First Nation for barrier-free access to their workshops.
YR Media Located in Oakland, California, the program serves young creators, primarily people of color and traditionally underserved backgrounds, providing immersive media education, industry-leading mentors, paid career-track employment, and comprehensive support services including counseling and health supplements. The program's goal is to help young content creators develop into the next generation of industry professionals who will play a key role in diversifying mainstream media locally and nationally.