Press Room

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 29, 2021 – As part of their dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, HETMA (Higher Education Technology Managers Alliance), with the support of AVIXA (Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association), has created the Prism Scholarship to support the growth of underrepresented communities within the U.S. higher education technology workforce. 

The intent of the Prism Scholarship is to encourage women, LGBTQIA+, Black, Latino, Asian, Indigenous, disabled persons, and others to become active leaders and role models for technology managers in the higher education space. Recipients will be recognized as someone who is determined to leave their mark as an AV professional, has demonstrated a commitment to their continued education, and displays a passion for both higher education and the experiences that audiovisual technology creates.

Scored, chosen, and distributed solely by HETMA’s discretion, the scholarship includes a one-year Elite Membership to AVIXA, inclusive of the entire online catalog of education, access to a virtual Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) prep course and course materials, the coverage of exam fees for the CTS exam, a mentorship by a HETMA member, plus a trip to a future InfoComm show.

A total of ten scholarships will be awarded in 2022, with the application process opening in December 2021.

“As an organization, HETMA was founded to give a voice and offer support to those in the higher education vertical who may not have career growth opportunities at their respective institutions,” said Joe Way, PhD, CTS, Director of Learning Environments, Information Technology Services, University of Southern California, and Chair of HETMA. “This partnership with AVIXA is a tangible way to impact lives and truly invest in our industry’s underrepresented people.”
“Watching the power and speed with which HETMA formed as an organization in the past year has been incredible,” said Joé Lloyd, Senior Director, Communications, AVIXA. “Together, AVIXA and HETMA share a passion and dedication for expanding diversity and inclusion across the audiovisual community. We look forward to engaging with HETMA for years to come and working in partnership to encourage better representation of diversity across the entirety of the AV community.”

About HETMA
HETMA is a recognized 501(c)3 advocacy organization focused on the higher education AV industry. The goal of HETMA is to raise awareness of technology issues unique to the higher education community by communicating with manufacturers, vendors, AV industry organizations, and higher education administrators on the needs and challenges that technology managers face. HETMA is also dedicated to providing educational and networking opportunities to our members so that we can empower and grow our influence as an industry through signature programs like our “HETMA Approved” products, manufacturer focus groups, DEI initiatives, and annual conference. Our belief is that all resources provided through HETMA should always be FREE to the higher ed community. We are by the higher ed vertical and for the higher ed vertical. Visit www.hetma.org for more information and member registration.

About AVIXA
AVIXA is the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, producer of InfoComm trade shows around the world, co-owner of Integrated Systems Europe, and the international trade association representing the audiovisual industry. Established in 1939, AVIXA has more than 20,000 enterprise and individual members, including manufacturers, systems integrators, dealers and distributors, consultants, programmers, live events companies, technology managers, content producers, and multimedia professionals from more than 80 countries. AVIXA members create integrated AV experiences that deliver outcomes for end-users. AVIXA is a hub for professional collaboration, information, and community, and is the leading resource for AV standards, certification, training, market intelligence, and thought leadership. Visit avixa.org.