A big reason why the ad industry has a diversity problem is because the most popular way into the industry for young creatives –– portfolio school –– is also the biggest barrier of entry for many young Black creatives.
So Denver Ad School decided to rally ad agencies all over the country to show that we believe Black creativity matters by starting a scholarship fund to ensure that all Black creatives who want to attend a portfolio school can come to DAD for free.
In the 3 months since the initiative began we’ve received over 40 enrollment applications from young Black creatives all over the country and have partnered with many agencies including Crispin Porter Bogusky, Venebles Bell & Partners, David & Goliath, TDA Boulder, and more. Thanks to these agencies and all of our new partners that are joining every day, we’re going to infuse more Black voices and talent into an industry that desperately needs them.