Key things to know:
- The AVIXA Foundation named The Loop Lab and Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts as the 2026 Brad Sousa Impact Fund grant recipients.
- The Foundation honored the recipients at InfoComm 2026 in Las Vegas.
- The fund supports organizations using audiovisual technology and digital transformation to drive community change.
- The Loop Lab runs pro AV and media arts workforce training across Greater Boston and Western Massachusetts.
- Highmark Mann Center will use its grant for the Music Industry Pre-Apprenticeship Program in Philadelphia.
What Did the AVIXA Foundation Announce?
The AVIXA Foundation named The Loop Lab and Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts as the 2026 grant recipients of the Brad Sousa Impact Fund. The Foundation honored both organizations at InfoComm 2026 in Las Vegas. The two grantees emerged from a competitive pool of submissions.
What Is the Brad Sousa Impact Fund?
The Brad Sousa Impact Fund offers financial support to organizations that use audiovisual technology and digital transformation to drive change in communities worldwide. The fund advances the AVIXA Foundation’s global mission through impact investing and partnerships. It focuses on developing audiovisual and digital transformation professionals and their understanding of each other’s overlapping needs.
Why Were These Two Organizations Selected?
Both organizations were selected for pairing grassroots workforce programs with pro AV skills training to create measurable community impact. The Foundation pointed to their ability to reach untapped talent and meet a real need across the AV industry.
“We are proud to recognize 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,” says Sarah Joyce, AVIXA chief global officer and Foundation executive director. “The Brad Sousa Impact Fund exists to support exactly this kind of transformative work. These organizations lift up communities of untapped AV talent to fill a real need in our industry.”
What Will The Loop Lab Do With the Grant?
The Loop Lab will use its grant to expand industry-aligned media arts and pro AV workforce training pathways for historically underrepresented young adults across Greater Boston and Western Massachusetts. The nonprofit operates as a Greater Boston-based workforce intermediary advancing equitable access to careers in pro AV and digital media. Apprentices receive intensive project-based instruction in live event production, audio engineering, video production, lighting, digital collaboration workflows and content creation. The program combines that training with paid fellowships and direct employer engagement.
What Is the Highmark Mann Center’s Music Industry Pre-Apprenticeship Program?
The Music Industry Pre-Apprenticeship Program (MIAP), combines technical training, workforce readiness, mentorship and paid on-the-job learning across professional production environments. The Highmark Mann Center is a nonprofit performing arts center in the Centennial District of Philadelphia’s West Fairmount Park. MIAP apprentices rotate through industry partner sites including production companies, recording studios, theaters and scenic shops. They gain hands-on experience while building professional networks and transferable workforce skills.
How Can People Support the Fund?
People can support the fund by donating to the AVIXA Foundation, which is now raising money for its next round of grants. The Foundation welcomes corporate and individual donations to amplify its impact in the years ahead. More information and donation options are available at avixa.org/avixa-foundation.
