2026 State of Berklee Follow-Up

Dear Berklee community,

Thank you to everyone who joined this year’s State of Berklee. If you weren't able to attend, the full address is available online. I’m often reminded, especially when experiencing performances by our amazing students and faculty, just how fortunate I am to be part of this community. These performances reinforce the role we play in supporting and advancing Berklee as a place that fosters exceptional artistry, connection, and expression.

At State of Berklee, I shared updates on our strategic plan, which is focused on three priorities: expanding access and affordability for exceptional students around the world, positioning our students to pursue creative careers, and doing so in a way that is sustainable and aligned with our mission. This is very much a living, breathing plan engaging the entire community, and it will continue to evolve as our work progresses. I want to highlight just a few of the meaningful strides we’ve made over the past year.

Affordability

The Advancement team has doubled fundraising for new entering students and those in the Thrive Scholarship program. There is more work ahead to fully meet demonstrated need, but this progress reflects both strong momentum and the generosity of our donors. We also brought together 24 global partners at our Global Summit in October to deepen relationships, strengthen the pathways that bring students to Boston, and ensure they feel prepared for their experience here.

Careers

The Career Center has more than tripled our summer fellowships, from 30 last year to 100 in 2026, while expanding geographically from Los Angeles to New York and Atlanta. This is a direct path to careers for our students. We launched the Berklee Emerging Artistic Technology Lab (BEATL), supporting research and work taking place at the intersection of music and technology. This work will be showcased in June at the AIMS: AI Music Summit, positioning Berklee as a convener of the discussion around this vital issue. 

Additionally, we’re preparing to introduce a revamped alumni portal as an expanded platform designed to help alumni network and engage, access mentorship and continuing education, and benefit from partnerships and discounts throughout their careers. The platform will launch alongside our first-ever Berklee Homecoming in September, reinforcing our commitment to building stronger alumni connection, engagement, and support both in person and online.

Sustainability

To keep Berklee strong for the future, we are exploring new, mission-aligned opportunities to support the institution’s long-term strength, diversify our revenue, and deepen our impact. That work is already underway, led by the cabinet, strategy team, and other leaders to engage and identify new opportunities. This process will benefit greatly from bold, creative ideas from across the community. I invite you to share suggestions (login required) for reaching new audiences and growing Berklee’s impact through next-generation learning experiences.

Shaped by ongoing conversations with leadership, faculty, staff, students, and teams across the institution, this strategic plan belongs to all of us, and it’s important that everyone sees themselves in this work. The progress we’ve made is a reflection of the impact of your efforts. I have deep confidence in this community and in our shared commitment to the mission.

Yours, 

Jim Lucchese
President