New $10,000 Resonance Scholarship Program focuses on bringing more diversity to the Kansas City region’s advertising industry
Earlier this year, we made a promise – a promise to become better – and it’s time to show the receipts. We are proud to announce Signal Theory is partnering with The BrandLab to launch the Resonance Scholarship Program, which will award a total of $10,000 annually for up to two Kansas City BrandLab chapter students. In addition to receiving financial support, Resonance Scholarship recipients who meet all scholarship requirements are guaranteed a paid internship with Signal Theory after their second year of college.
“Thanks to Signal Theory, the Resonance Scholarship Program has the power to help change the face and voice of Kansas City’s advertising industry,” said Ghadeer Garcia, executive director of The BrandLab’s Kansas City chapter. “To achieve a thriving and diverse workforce within the advertising and marketing industry, students not only need the financial support, but also direct access to the community’s creative leaders and top creative firms. And that’s exactly what this scholarship does.”
Founded in 2009, The BrandLab is a multi-market nonprofit organization building a movement to change the face and voice of the marketing industry. The BrandLab’s program targets students who are racially and ethnically diverse and those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged by collaborating with school districts throughout the Kansas City area, including Kansas City Public Schools and districts in Kansas City, Kan., south Kansas City, Independence and Winnetonka. BrandLab leaders meet with about 400 students annually to talk about careers in marketing.
“It’s no secret that diverse talent is vastly underrepresented across the advertising industry, and it’s well beyond time to change that. We certainly have a long way to go, and the Resonance Scholarship is a one small step in the right direction,” said John January, co-CEO of Signal Theory. “We are so proud to partner with The BrandLab and only intend to continue growing our relationship so that together we can deepen the impact and reach of their existing program, continue education and ensure graduates are empowered to enter the advertising industry upon graduation.”
Signal Theory has been an avid supporter of The BrandLab’s work since 2017 through financial support and mentoring of its students. In addition, the firm donated office space to The BrandLab’s Kansas City chapter to serve as its headquarters.
“As marketing and advertising professionals, it is our responsibility to create work that resonates and represents both our clients and the markets they serve,” January said. “A diverse and equitable talent pool and workforce is essential to delivering on that promise. And that’s why we established the Signal Theory Resonance Scholarship – to develop leadership within this region’s minority student populations by providing financial support and access to mentorship and career opportunities.”
Resonance Scholarship requirements
Eligible students must be enrolled in The BrandLab’s Kansas City program or be a graduate of The BrandLab’s Kansas City chapter. They also must have successfully completed at least one internship with The BrandLab. A committee of The BrandLab and Signal Theory leaders will interview scholarship finalists before selecting one winner or two co-winners. The scholarship is open to high school seniors or college freshmen, sophomores or juniors. Applications for the 2021-2022 academic year open December 9, 2020, and close January 25, 2021.
Do you know someone who may qualify for this scholarship? Click here to learn more about the qualifications and application process. Click here to learn more about The BrandLab’s work and mission.
Interested in joining the Signal Theory team? Check out our careers page for opportunities.
