Applications Now Open for Fred Foster Student Mentorship Program

With a commitment to building up the next generation of lighting professionals, ETC has sponsored students at LDI for nearly 20 years. Fred Foster, who founded ETC with a group of university students in 1975, played a key role in establishing education as a pillar of ETC's corporate philosophy. To honor his legacy, ETC has renamed the program after Foster and all of his contributions to the industry's young talent. Now, ETC announces the application opening of the 2019 Fred Foster Student Mentorship Program.

ETC's Student Mentorship Program includes roundtrip airfare to the LDI tradeshow, which will take place November 22 to 24 this year, along with hotel accommodations, all meals, a full conference pass, a student reception to meet key players in the industry, and exclusive ETC swag. Applications are open to students in their final year of undergraduate study, graduate students, and students from outside of North America who are studying at the university level at the time of the LDI show. Applicants should be studying lighting design, theatre technology, or another related field.

As a part of the program, each student is paired with an industry luminary who will act as a mentor for the year following the tradeshow, and often beyond. The mentors provide guidance, advice, and inspiration as the students finish their schooling and move into the working world. Establishing these relationships is one of the most beneficial results of the program.

"I can say confidently that this experience was and is essential in my post-graduate life," says Aria Sivick, 2018 sponsorship recipient. "I have made countless connections and have received generous help from my mentors in terms of portfolios, resumes, and career advice. This program has truly changed the game for me. I am so excited to have access to this wonderful group of mentees as well as integral industry titans."

Applications are due by June 3, 2019. To submit your application and learn more about the Fred Foster Student Mentorship program, please visit www.etcconnect.com/StudentMentorship.