Digital Media Institute at InterTech Student Scholarships and Tuition Assistance

Digital Media Institute (DMII) Scholarship Program

Funder: Digital Media Institute at InterTech (division of BRF); funded through anonymous grant and Best Buy Foundation

Geographic Scope: North Louisiana, Shreveport area

Program Description

• Needs-based student aid for tuition assistance
• Mentorship program connecting students with industry professionals
• Support for program enrollment through completion and job placement
• Focuses on students pursuing careers in digital media, animation, visual effects, and video game development

Award Amount

• $25,000 grant awarded for needs-based student aid and mentorship program
• Individual award amounts not specified; distributed on needs basis

Target Population

• Students with financial need
• Priority given to minority, female, and low-income students
• Students pursuing animation, visual effects, and video game development careers

Two Certificate Programs (Accelerated, One-Year Format)

1. Animation and Visual Effects (AVEI) - Summer camp July 8-12 - Hands-on training with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects - Use of 1,600-square-foot green screen studio - Create animations and videos

2. Interactive Software Development (ISD) - Summer camp June 10-14
- Game development using Unity technology platform and Visual Basic Studio
- Learn fundamentals of game design and development
- Build and present original team projects

Program Outcomes

• 75% completion rate
• 80% job placement rate
• Graduates find employment in diverse industries: entertainment, cyber security, advertising/marketing
• Uses industry-grade hardware and software
• Reduced tuition rate compared to industry standard

Financial Aid Available

• Federal Financial Aid: Pell Grant program, federally backed student loans
• Veterans Benefits: GI Bill accepted for eligible veterans and family members
• Scholarships: Anonymous grant-funded needs-based aid
• Summer Camp Assistance: Best Buy Foundation grant supports tuition for students who qualify for financial assistance

Funding Sources

• Best Buy Foundation grant (specifically for summer camp tuition assistance)
• Anonymous donor grant ($25,000 for student aid and mentorship)
• Best Buy retail store operations and special event fundraising

Contact Information

• Website: www.DMI.edu
• Summer camp info: www.dmi.edu/summer-camps
• Phone: 318.213.0788
• Location: InterTech 1, Shreveport

About the Foundation's Goals

Best Buy Foundation's primary mission: Give teens access to technology opportunities that help them excel in school and develop 21st century skills for future careers

How to Apply

1. Check Eligibility
- Demonstrate financial need
- Interested in digital media, animation, visual effects, or game development career
- Priority consideration for minority, female, and low-income students

2. Contact DMII
- Phone: 318.213.0788
- Website: www.DMI.edu or www.dmi.edu/summer-camps
- Location: InterTech 1, Shreveport

3. Apply for Financial Aid
- Federal financial aid application (Pell Grant program)
- GI Bill documentation (if veteran/eligible family member)
- Needs-based scholarship application through DMII

4. Enrollment Process
- Enroll in one of two certificate programs or summer camps
- Tuition assistance applied upon enrollment based on financial need
- Mentorship program assignment during enrollment

Required Materials

• Financial documentation for needs assessment
• Application for federal financial aid (if applicable)
• GI Bill documentation (if applicable)
• Program enrollment application

Application Timeline

• Summer camps: Game Development (June), Animation & Visual Effects (July)
• Ongoing enrollment for certificate programs