PSU and LAIKA Industry Partnership

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A UNIQUE INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN PSU AND LAIKA

Portland State University and LAIKA have formed a groundbreaking three-year partnership to improve accessibility for career-ready graduates from all backgrounds and lived experiences. Together, we're investing in the next generation of creative leaders through scholarships, fellowships and meaningful mentorship.


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Announcing the Inaugural Cohort of LAIKA Scholars and Fellows

The College of the Arts has proudly announced the inaugural cohort of six LAIKA Scholars and three Faculty Fellows for 2025-26, chosen from among a competitive field of applicants. 


 

LAIKA Scholarship

PSU's College of the Arts and LAIKA have launched a three-year initiative to award six $10,000 scholarships annually to undergraduate students majoring in the arts. This program supports students from all backgrounds and lived experiences, fostering inclusive growth in the creative industries.

Who can apply

College of the Arts undergraduate majors
May reapply annually

Selection criteria

Career or academic interest in creative industries
Diversity of lived experiences or perspectives 

Award details

$10,000 per student for Academic Years 2025-26, 2026-27, 2027-28
Includes mentoring, professional development, and cohort activities

Timeline

  • Application open: February-March 2026
  • Notification: April 2026
  • Award: Fall 2026-Spring 2027

LAIKA Faculty Fellowship

The LAIKA fellowship gives PSU's College of the Arts faculty the opportunity to elevate and expand their teaching strategies to better prepare students for careers in regional and global creative industries.  LAIKA Fellows receive support for professional development and instructional research in the form of course release time, along with a flexible spending fund. LAIKA will provide fellowships for three College of the Arts faculty members per year for academic years '25-26, '26-27, and '27-28. The LAIKA grant will support a total of nine fellowships.

2025-26 Faculty Fellows

Alison Heryer, Sue Horn-Caskey & Charles F. Caskey Professor in Textile Arts & Costume Design, Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design

Stephen Lee, Associate Professor, Interactive/Experience Design, Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design

J.J. Vazquez, Assistant Professor, School of Film

Who can apply

Any full-time faculty member (.5 or above) at PSU’s College of the Arts can apply.

Desired qualifications

Strong candidates will be curious about industry practices and eager to teach skills that help College of the Arts graduates succeed in creative careers.

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate a student-focused approach to teaching, a readiness to engage with LAIKA’s production processes, and a willingness to explore ways to build a more relevant, inspiring curriculum, drawing on   both traditional and emerging technologies.

Timeline

  • Application open: February–March 2026
  • Notification: April 2026
  • Award: Fall 2026–Spring 2027