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FIU and Dolan Family Foundation unveil D.R.E.A.M.S. – a groundbreaking program for the future of location-based entertainment
Florida International University (FIU), in partnership with the Dolan Family Foundation, announced the launch of the Digital Research Entertainment Arts Media Sciences (D.R.E.A.M.S.) program. This groundbreaking program aims to position FIU at the forefront of the rapidly growing location-based entertainment (LBE) industry, creating new opportunities for education, hands-on learning and industry partnerships to prepare students for careers in immersive entertainment.
Location-based entertainment (LBE) refers to interactive, immersive experiences that engage audiences both physically and digitally. This technology is often found in theme parks, immersive theaters, esports arenas, interactive museums, and large-scale events. From AI-driven art installations to food and wine festivals that integrate digital engagement, LBE continues to transform how audiences interact with their surroundings.
Supported by Tom Dolan from the Dolan Family Foundation, D.R.E.A.M.S. will be housed within the FIU School of Communication’s Global Strategic Communication program, part of the College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts (CARTA). This groundbreaking initiative is designed to bridge academic research with industry innovation in immersive media, digital storytelling, and experience design. Students will benefit from cutting-edge curriculum, practical learning through industry partnerships, and access to global leaders in immersive media, gaming, themed entertainment, and live events.
“At FIU, we are proud to be at the forefront of technology and innovation. Our strategic plan focuses on leading transformative innovations and the D.R.E.A.M.S. program will allow students to better understand emerging technology such as location-based entertainment and give them the skills to succeed in an ever-changing industry,” said FIU Interim President Jeanette Nuñez. “We are grateful to the Dolan family for their commitment to provide unmatched opportunities to our students that allow them to lead in their respective fields.”
The LBE industry is projected to exceed $20 billion by 2032, expanding rapidly as entertainment merges with emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and immersive audio-visual environments.
“We are deeply grateful to the Dolan Family Foundation for their generous gift, which will empower FIU students to lead in the rapidly evolving field of location-based entertainment,” said Brian Schriner, dean of CARTA. “This investment in our Global Strategic Communication master’s program underscores our commitment to innovation, hands-on experience, and career readiness. By equipping our students with cutting-edge skills and industry connections, we are ensuring that FIU graduates remain at the forefront of their disciplines, ready to shape the future of immersive entertainment experiences.”
The Dolan Family Foundation, known for its deep-rooted commitment to education, technology, and entertainment, saw FIU’s dynamic location in Miami and its thriving cultural ecosystem as the perfect place to launch this program. The Dolan family’s influence includes many location-based entertainment businesses that have redefined immersive entertainment. This strategic alliance underscores the foundation’s vision for advancing the next generation of location-based entertainment innovators.
“Entertainment is evolving, and education must evolve with it. D.R.E.A.M.S. at FIU will ensure that the next generation of creative minds is prepared to lead the future of immersive storytelling,” said Tom Dolan, director of the Dolan Family Foundation. “By combining academic excellence with real-world industry collaboration, this program will redefine how students learn, create, and innovate.”
Led by tech futurist and professor, Travis Cloyd, D.R.E.A.M.S. @ FIU will also collaborate with leading companies in themed entertainment, digital content production, and immersive technology, to provide students with exclusive internships, live project opportunities, and a direct pipeline into the industry.
The D.R.E.A.M.S. program will begin fall 2025, with applications opening soon for interested students.
For more information, visit dreams.fiu.edu or contact dreams@fiu.edu.
Location-based entertainment (LBE) refers to interactive, immersive experiences that engage audiences both physically and digitally. This technology is often found in theme parks, immersive theaters, esports arenas, interactive museums, and large-scale events. From AI-driven art installations to food and wine festivals that integrate digital engagement, LBE continues to transform how audiences interact with their surroundings.
Supported by Tom Dolan from the Dolan Family Foundation, D.R.E.A.M.S. will be housed within the FIU School of Communication’s Global Strategic Communication program, part of the College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts (CARTA). This groundbreaking initiative is designed to bridge academic research with industry innovation in immersive media, digital storytelling, and experience design. Students will benefit from cutting-edge curriculum, practical learning through industry partnerships, and access to global leaders in immersive media, gaming, themed entertainment, and live events.
“At FIU, we are proud to be at the forefront of technology and innovation. Our strategic plan focuses on leading transformative innovations and the D.R.E.A.M.S. program will allow students to better understand emerging technology such as location-based entertainment and give them the skills to succeed in an ever-changing industry,” said FIU Interim President Jeanette Nuñez. “We are grateful to the Dolan family for their commitment to provide unmatched opportunities to our students that allow them to lead in their respective fields.”
The LBE industry is projected to exceed $20 billion by 2032, expanding rapidly as entertainment merges with emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and immersive audio-visual environments.
“We are deeply grateful to the Dolan Family Foundation for their generous gift, which will empower FIU students to lead in the rapidly evolving field of location-based entertainment,” said Brian Schriner, dean of CARTA. “This investment in our Global Strategic Communication master’s program underscores our commitment to innovation, hands-on experience, and career readiness. By equipping our students with cutting-edge skills and industry connections, we are ensuring that FIU graduates remain at the forefront of their disciplines, ready to shape the future of immersive entertainment experiences.”
The Dolan Family Foundation, known for its deep-rooted commitment to education, technology, and entertainment, saw FIU’s dynamic location in Miami and its thriving cultural ecosystem as the perfect place to launch this program. The Dolan family’s influence includes many location-based entertainment businesses that have redefined immersive entertainment. This strategic alliance underscores the foundation’s vision for advancing the next generation of location-based entertainment innovators.
“Entertainment is evolving, and education must evolve with it. D.R.E.A.M.S. at FIU will ensure that the next generation of creative minds is prepared to lead the future of immersive storytelling,” said Tom Dolan, director of the Dolan Family Foundation. “By combining academic excellence with real-world industry collaboration, this program will redefine how students learn, create, and innovate.”
Led by tech futurist and professor, Travis Cloyd, D.R.E.A.M.S. @ FIU will also collaborate with leading companies in themed entertainment, digital content production, and immersive technology, to provide students with exclusive internships, live project opportunities, and a direct pipeline into the industry.
The D.R.E.A.M.S. program will begin fall 2025, with applications opening soon for interested students.
For more information, visit dreams.fiu.edu or contact dreams@fiu.edu.