Founded in 2019, and funded by LDI and Live Design, the goal of the Diversity In Design scholarships is to support underrepresented and unique voices in the field of entertainment design. The scholarships are named for Pat MacKay, former publisher of Theatre Crafts and Lighting Dimensions magazines and founder of the LDI Trade Show and Conference. MacKay is a USITT Fellow and has served as a mentor for multiple generations of industry professionals.
The Pat MacKay Diversity in Design scholarships are awarded to students currently enrolled in lighting, video/digital media, and sound design programs on an undergraduate level, as well as high school seniors who have been accepted to an undergraduate college, university, or community college design program.
LDI 2025, in partnership with TSDCA and USITT, with additional support from Lightswitch in 2023 and 2024, presents scholarships to students in various disciplines of live design. Undergraduate students enrolled in lighting, sound, or projection/digital media design programs at accredited colleges, universities, and community colleges for four-year or associate degree programs, as well as high school seniors who have been accepted to an undergraduate college, university, or community college design or certificate program are eligible to apply online.
Each student selected for one of the Pat MacKay Scholarships will receive up to $5,000, spread out over a maximum of eight semesters, or $1,250 per year, paid by semester directly to the school. In order for the students to get the next year’s payment, they must show progress toward their degree, show at least a 2.5 GPA, and provide a letter of support from their mentor with an update on how they are progressing as designers.