Otis College’s Black Creatives Institute Receives NBA Foundation Grant
Grantees champion creative futures and workforce readiness.
On January 29, 2026, the NBA Foundation announced the grantees from its 16th round of grantmaking. Otis College’s Black Creatives Institute (BCI), a summer bridge program that fosters a sense of community among incoming Black-identified students by supporting their personal growth, identity formation, and career development, is proud to be one of the 2026 grant recipients.
BCI launched at Otis College in the summer of 2020. The program’s annual mix of keynote speakers, art activations, field trips, and industry panels help attendees envision a path from Otis to career options after graduation.
“At Otis College, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of creative leaders,” says Otis College President Charles Hirschhorn. “The NBA Foundation’s mission to expand economic opportunity and create pathways to meaningful careers for Black youth aligns powerfully with the work we’re doing through programs like the Black Creatives Institute.”
The Foundation’s announcement reflects the president’s sentiment. “Los Angeles-based Otis College of Art and Design joins Round 16 through its Black Creatives Institute, a nationally recognized initiative that prepares emerging artists and designers for careers in creative industries.”
With this latest round of support, the NBA Foundation has now granted more than $160 million to nonprofit organizations.
Read the full announcement on the NBA Foundation’s website
More about Otis College’s Black Creatives Institute
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