Press Room

FAIRFAX, Va., May 6, 2026– The AVIXA Foundation has announced applications for the Michael Vergauwen Scholarship are now open through June 30, 2026. Ten scholarships of $2,500 each will be awarded as one-time contributions towards tuition for studies applicable to the pro AV industry. Eligible applicants include current or future students enrolled in a vocational, undergraduate, or graduate program related to the audiovisual, creative, and integrated experience industry.

As the nonprofit charitable arm of AVIXA, a key pillar of the AVIXA Foundation’s mission is expanding access to skills education through workforce development, strategic partnerships, and providing opportunities for impact investing. This scholarship reflects this mission and honors the legacy of Michael Vergauwen, the late COO of FORTÉ and long-time AVIXA board member, by supporting students in pursuit of technical or advanced degrees toward audiovisual and creative careers.

“The AVIXA Foundation exists to create accessible and viable career pathways into the AV industry,” said Sarah Joyce, Executive Director of the AVIXA Foundation and Chief Global Officer of AVIXA. “The Michael Vergauwen Scholarship supports emerging professionals as they gain the skills and education needed to build lasting careers in AV, while growing our industry’s workforce. We encourage eligible candidates worldwide to apply and anyone in the industry to support and promote this opportunity.”

Through its scholarship program, the AVIXA Foundation has awarded more than $800,000 to nearly 500 students and emerging professionals, helping build the future workforce for the audiovisual and creative industries. Previous recipients have gone on to launch successful careers across a broad range of industry roles within companies such as iHeartMedia, META, and Q-SYS.

Eligibility for this scholarship is based on the following criteria:

• Be at least 16 years of age. Guardian consent may be required based on local regulations. 
• Enrolled in vocational, undergraduate, or graduate program related to the audiovisual and integrated experience industry.
• Demonstrate interest in an AV career through coursework, work experiences, volunteer activities, or related extracurricular involvement.

Previous scholarship recipients and anyone employed full-time in the audiovisual industry are not eligible to apply. Applicants are eligible if they work part-time, on contract, or in an internship or apprenticeship.

Each application is reviewed by a panel of industry leaders and volunteers who evaluate applicants’ achievements and academic performance based on their available resources and opportunities. For more information and to apply, visit www.avixa.org/scholarships.  

For ongoing conversations and news about the pro AV industry, visit AVIXA Xchange, a unique community for the AV industry that connects thought leaders, industry-leading solution providers, and innovative manufacturers with AV solution seekers. 

Image:  AVIXA Foundation Logo

About the AVIXA Foundation 

The AVIXA Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization focused on cultivating a growing workforce on behalf of the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA). The Foundation does so by creating awareness of careers in the global AV industry; enabling potential and emerging professionals through skills training, scholarships, and scholastic support; and developing a bridge between the industry and those who want to become AV professionals. With the help of AVIXA members and the entire industry, the Foundation helps build a future with a diverse, skilled workforce eager to take on the challenge of creating integrated AV experiences around the world. More information is available at avixa.org/foundation. 

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 3,000 enterprise members representing over 20,000 AV professionals, 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 www.avixa.org.