Applications Open for 2025 ETC Fred Foster Student Mentorship Program

ETC is accepting applications for the 2025 Fred Foster Student Mentorship Program. Selected students will be introduced to industry professionals through a series of online events. Over the course of the program, each student will be paired with at least one mentor who will help guide their transition into the working world. Applications for the 2025 program are open through April 11, 2025. 

The program was started by ETC Founder Fred Foster, who long championed the importance of mentorship in our industry. His passion for bringing up the next generation of lighting greats led him to start ETC’s Student Mentorship Program in 1999. Through this initiative, Fred aimed to utilize ETC’s resources to help young lighting talent make lasting connections with established industry professionals. 

Now, ETC carries on the tradition through a curated series of online events. Selected students will attend virtual networking events during the summer, meeting a variety of professionals working in different specialties within the industry. Ultimately, each student is matched with an industry mentor who will provide career guidance for the next year and often beyond.

Program activities are scheduled in North American time zones, however students residing in any region are welcome to apply. Applications are open to North American students in their final year of undergraduate study or second- and third-year graduate students. For students outside of North America, ETC requires they are studying at the university level or demonstrate a keen interest in lighting and design through the submission of a CV. 

“I can't thank ETC enough for this program, since being selected my quality of work has been stronger and I always felt even years later that I can reach out to my mentors,” says Philip Vilar, a past recipient.

Applications are due by April 11, 2025. To submit your application and learn more about the Fred Foster Student Mentorship Program, please visit www.etcconnect.com/studentmentorship