Amplify at MIAD

MIAD is pleased to launch Amplify, a year-long program dedicated to the creative development and educational pathways for motivated native and indigenous youth interested in a career in the visual arts.

Non-native and indigenous high school students interested in the program may contact ycp@miad.edu for Pre-College program opportunities.

The Amplify program offers:

  • Free tuition to MIAD’s 2025 Summer Pre-College program, including supplies, housing and meals
  • An in-person Orientation during the Summer Pre-College program and various activities
  • Artist studio and design firm/agency visits during the Summer Pre-College program
  • $250 Award (for transportation, additional supplies or miscellaneous program expenses)
  • $250 in supplies to use throughout the program
  • Regular online, individual meetings with the instructor
  • Regular online group meetings (including critiques, visiting artist presentations, various workshops, and additional activities)
What is Amplify?

Structured around accessibility and repeat contact, the year-long program provides the opportunity to create artwork that reflects individual creative interests, develop foundational and conceptual skills, learn about professional creative industries, gain access to college-level curriculum and experiences, strengthen portfolios and begin the path from high school to college to career.

Led by Tanesha Spencer (Menominee/Oneida, MIAD class of 2024), students are invited to participate in the in-person 2025 Summer Pre-College program in July at no cost. During the Pre-College program, students select from a variety of courses ranging from introductory to advanced, engage as a community within the Amplify program, visit a design firm and artist studio, and receive supplies to use throughout the Amplify program.

Following the Pre-College program in July, students engage in bi-weekly, online individual and group meetings and critiques throughout the year, respond to prompts to create art projects, are introduced to the work of accomplished native and indigenous artists and designers, and are provided various workshops designed for creative and professional development.

Important Dates

MIAD’s Amplify is a year-long program.

  • February 15, 2025 Amplify applications due
  • February 19, 2025 All applicants notified
  • March 1, 2025 Kickoff session (online)
  • March 8, 2025 Deadline to register for Summer Pre-College
  • May 17, 2025 Amplify Orientation (online)
  • July 2025 Free tuition to MIAD’s Summer Pre-College program
  • August 2025 Online component of the program begins
  • May 2026 End-of-program celebration