The Loop Lab Academy has experienced a ton of success in the past few months! We’re still feeling the adrenaline from an outstanding night screening the apprentices’ final film projects with Audible at the Brattle Theatre last December. After walking the orange carpet and presenting their films, our apprentices took the stage to speak on their experiences, personal challenges, and perceived growth in a Q&A session with moderator Jonathan Allen of Leadership Brainery. Topics covered included:
✦ Mentoring in Cambridge by Xavier Montes ✦
✦ Mental Health Services in Cambridge by Anthony Saunders & Coy Walker ✦
✦ Job Preparation and Training in Cambridge by Briana Maltez & Mitchell Williams ✦
✦ Arts as a Profession in Cambridge by Abraham Lopez & Damien Wellington ✦
If you missed the screening, Audible will soon be sharing the videos for your online streaming enjoyment. Keep an eye on our social media for their release. After six months of rigorous instruction, all eight apprentices from Cohort 5 have now graduated from the training portion of our [Media Arts] Apprenticeship Program.
Since then, six have gone on to internships with studios and arts organizations, and one is in a full-time position at MIT!
Abraham Lopez → Multicultural Arts Center (Internship)
Amanda Caballero → Academy Outreach Ambassador
Anthony Saunders → Loop Lab Studios (Internship)
Briana Maltez → Loop Lab Studios (Internship)
Coy Walker → Red Thread (Full-Time Job)
Damien Wellington → The Dance Complex (Internship)
Mitchell Williams → Q Division Studios (Internship)
Xavier Montes → Black Math (Internship)
While we couldn’t be more proud of our students, we’re also proud to announce the promotion of two Academy team members. Marlon Orozco has accepted and started a new role as our first Senior Instructor, while Lucas Raagas has now moved into the new role of Academy Manager. That being said, the Academy team is looking to add a new full-time Media Arts Instructor! Though we are actively interviewing candidates, we are still accepting applications. If you are interested, or know anyone who may be, please spread the word. The job description is here!
As previously mentioned, we are gearing up for the next cohort! The application for our Media Arts Apprenticeship Program is now open and will close on May 12, 2023. We are excited to welcome a new cohort in June 2023, and to build on the abundance of success in 2022. Find the application here. Share with your friends, family, and community!
Lastly, we are hosting outreach events and info sessions to advertise our programming, especially our Media Arts Apprenticeship program. If you see us at a career fair, job fair, or collaborating with other organizations for info sessions, say hi!
Loop Lab Studio Updates - March 2023
Anthony on his SXSW Experience
Food, culture and good ole southern hospitality are a few of the pleasantries deeply associated with Austin, Texas. For this only being my second time west of the Mississippi, I was very eager and excited to embark on this journey, but not for just the fun and excitement but because this was my first time going on a trip dedicated to work. Both in preparation for and during the trip, I needed to give myself small reminders so I could stay on track and stay focused on the task at hand. In Austin, I was slated to not only represent The Loop Lab to the best of my ability but to also showcase myself and what I do outside of the work day. Over the four day trip, I was able to build confidence in myself and work on my elevator pitch for both The Loop Lab, what the company represents, and for myself and what I do.
For my first ever work trip, I was pleasantly surprised by many things, everything spanning from the people to the food. My biggest highlight of Austin was how nice and willing to talk everyone was– typically I’m used to locals not being that friendly from where I’m from. My favorite part of the trip was meeting Chris’ family; they were awesome and very warm people. I wasn’t surprised by that at all–knowing who they are related to, I expected more of the same. Oddly enough I found out I may somehow be related to them and if not related, our families definitely crossed paths in the past. That was discovered over a beautiful dinner at Garrison located at the Fairmount in Austin, Texas.
Over the course of the four days, I was able to indulge in a lot of SXSW fun. I met people from all over the world and made connections with so many people I couldn’t count. The most important meeting to me was when I met the Secretary of Education–he was great. Going into the room, I was a bit nervous but I was met with a lot of hospitality and good energy, which made those feelings fade quickly. I quickly engaged in conversation with someone at a table who seemed easy to speak with - she was. After speaking for a while, she revealed that she worked for the very person I was there to meet and she ended up liking what I said enough to personally tell the Secretary of Education about me. He finally arrived and kept his acknowledgement to the room brief and engaging but wrapped up what he had to say by asking to speak with myself and Briana Maltez first. He asked us what we do and he listened to every word. I awkwardly asked for a picture after and he gladly accepted. I’m glad I was able to go on this trip and am grateful for the opportunity. I wish more people from my cohort could have experienced this but hopefully I was able to open up some more doors.
Briana on her SXSW Experience
ATX! Known for its live music and walking around 6th street, you can tell it lives up to its name. Being at SXSW was really important for the Loop Lab, as it was a great opportunity to get the exposure it deserves. As a newly graduated apprentice and now an intern for the Studio, it was an honor to be invited to represent the organization. I’m naturally introverted, so off rip I knew I'd be overwhelmed but overtime it came natural to me.
If someone were to ask me, “hey, what is the Loop Lap?” (which happened a lot at SXSW EDU since we had on Loop Lab merch), I could confidently answer. Not to mention the vibe of the people who would approach me–it was comfortable to talk to them. I wasn't used to it because it’s so different from Boston, but it was definitely a nice change. You can walk around Austin and really strike up a conversation with anyone.
What was really interesting was the expo center at SXSW EDU. It was really cool to see the panels where there were different projects and companies being showcased. There was a competitive program where high school kids made their own creative projects such as upgrading a 3D printer, making a horse race tracker, gravity swinging balls, and a life size sensor motion maze using billiards. Another panel was a company that made learning fun for elementary kids by using science games to entertain the kids but also to educate and open their eyes to different career options instead of the typical ones. The highlight was being able to meet the U.S Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona and telling him about my experience as an apprentice and intern. Anthony and I were the only interns, so he’ll remember us and what The Loop Lab is about.
Studio Interns, Anthony Saunders & Briana Maltez, ED Chis Hope with U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona
I want to say thank you to Chris Hope for inviting me to this wonderful event. It was awesome to be in the crowd supporting him as he spoke about The Loop Lab and his mission. Thank you to Jobs for the Future for inviting The Loop Lab to SXSW and for the opportunity to talk about my own experience with The Loop Lab.