NYC Launches Free Made in NY Academy to Train New Media and Entertainment Talent
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) announced on June 17, 2026 the launch of the “Made in NY” Academy, a workforce‑development program that will be offered at no cost to students at several City University of New York (CUNY) campuses. The initiative is a partnership between SBS, the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) and CUNY, and is designed to provide training and job placement in audio production, graphic arts, digital content creation and related media fields.
The academy was first unveiled at Queensborough Community College (QCC) in the Humanities Building on June 16, 2026. According to SBS, the program will feature an adaptive training portfolio that blends classroom instruction with hands‑on experience in recording studios, design studios and digital media labs. In addition to training, the academy will connect trainees with employers in the entertainment industry.
QCC will begin a ten‑week “Music Production Bootcamp” on September 15, 2026. The bootcamp will cover music‑production techniques and studio workflow, and graduates will receive support in securing employment at commercial recording studios, live‑recording venues, radio stations and broadcast networks. Kingsbridge Community College (KCC) will launch a “Content Creation Bootcamp” on September 23, 2026, while Hunter College will offer a “Graphic Design Bootcamp” in the fall. All three bootcamps are free and include job‑placement assistance.
Mayor Mamdani said the academy “opens doors to creative careers” for New York City residents. “As we build an affordable city, we’re creating pathways to the good‑paying jobs that will shape the future of art, media and entertainment for the world,” he said in a statement. SBS Commissioner Kenny Minaya added that the partnership will keep New York a global leader in the creative industry, noting that the academy will “connect homegrown talent with jobs in the entertainment industry and equip them with the skills to thrive in an ever‑changing environment.” QCC President Christine Mangino highlighted the college’s focus on career success, saying the music program is designed to give students the training and confidence needed to flourish in the industry.
The “Made in NY” Academy is part of a broader effort by MOME and SBS to address skill gaps in the city’s media and entertainment sectors. By offering free, industry‑aligned training and direct job placement, the program aims to expand the pipeline of qualified workers for film, television, radio, music, graphic design and digital content companies that rely on New York talent.
The initiative has already secured partnerships with local studios and media firms that will serve as placement sites for graduates. While the program’s long‑term impact on employment rates remains to be seen, the launch marks a significant investment in workforce development for the creative economy.
As of now, the “Made in NY” Academy is scheduled to begin its first cohort of bootcamps in September 2026, with additional courses expected to roll out in the following semesters. The program’s success will be measured by enrollment numbers, placement rates, and the number of graduates who secure positions in the city’s media and entertainment industries.
