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The 2025 Application Portal 

The Most Promising Multicultural Students program is an opportunity for you to launch a career in advertising, marketing, media, or communications. You'll receive the invaluable experience of networking with leading industry professionals and feel the excitement of the ad business by visiting the nation’s top ad agencies, advertisers, and media companies. See key dates below:

 

Key Dates

  • Info Session #1: September 17, 2024 at 5pm ET 
  • Info Session #2: October 17, 2024 at 5pm ET (RECORDING HERE)
  • NEW Application Deadline: November 11, 2024 at 5pm ET
  • Interviews: TBA
  • Judging: TBA
  • MPMS Class Notified: TBA
  • Programming in New York City: February 23–28, 2025

Eligibility Requirements

  • U.S. citizen or F-1 Visa or permanent resident of African, Asian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Native American, or Pacific Island descent.
  • Undergraduate student with senior standing, who will graduate in December 2024, May 2025, and August 2025.
  • Current dues-paying AAF college chapter of Unaffiliated Student member. (Dues must be received by or before January 31, 2025.) If you have any questions, please contact Erica Blake at eblake@aaf.org
  • Committed to attending all facets of the Most Promising Multicultural Students Program from February 23-28, 2025, in New York City.

Required Submission Materials

All materials outlined below must be submitted online (with the exception of the official transcript). The name on the application must match the name on the resumé, transcript, and ID. All materials must be received no later than November 11, 2024. Unlike previous years, there will be no extension beyond November 11, 2024.
Written Essay
Each written response should be 300 words max. Please respond to each of the essay questions below:
  • Describe a leadership role or project you've undertaken during your college career to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within your campus or community. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? What did you learn about leading inclusively?
  • Reflect on a current trend or movement within the advertising industry that addresses diversity and representation. How do you see yourself contributing to this trend or movement in your future career? What unique perspective or skills will you bring to ensure it creates a lasting impact?
  • Share an example of a campaign or creative project you've worked on that sought to tell a story from a multicultural or underrepresented perspective. How did you ensure authenticity in your representation, and what was the response to your work?
  • As you prepare to enter the advertising industry, what is your vision for the kind of impact you want to make? What steps are you currently taking, or do you plan to take, to align your career path with this vision?
  • Discuss a time during your college experience when you identified a gap in how diversity was addressed or represented in an academic or extracurricular setting. How did you address this gap, and what was the outcome of your actions?
  • Creative-Focused Questions (PUT N/A in Submission Box if you are not on a Creative Track)
    • How do you incorporate diverse perspectives into your creative process? Provide a specific example of a project or idea you developed that showcases your approach to inclusive creativity.
    • What role do you believe creative professionals play in shaping cultural narratives within the advertising industry? How do you intend to use your creative skills to influence these narratives positively?
Resume + Community Involvement/Volunteering
Applicants must submit a two-page max PDF of their resume and any current community/volunteer service. For community/volunteer service, please include the organization(s) name, length of service, estimated volunteer hours per month, and contact information for advisors where applicable. Do not include a photo on your resumé
Recommendation Letter
Submissions must include at least one (1) recommendation letter in PDF format from a faculty advisor or nominator. Advisors must be from an AAF-affiliated College Chapter, a College/University Advisor, a College/University Professor, a Local Advertising Chapter Member, or a Senior-Level Ad Professional.
Elevator Pitch
The student must write a 75-word introduction pitch.
Professional Headshot
One professional photo in business attire must be submitted for publication and promotional purposes. The selected committee will not view the photos. Specs: 300 dpi, approximately 4" x 6" JPG format only.
Portfolio
Applicants interested in creative positions MUST submit 3-5 pieces from their portfolios in JPG or PDF format only. Portfolio: (Optional) Samples of work or projects related to their field of study.  VCU Brandcenter Samples 

Academic Standing
  • All students need to submit proof of academic standing when submitting their application. This may be in the form of an unofficial transcript.
  • If accepted to the MPMS program, all students must send in an official electronic transcript. You may request an official electronic version of the transcript from your school website and have it sent directly to Erica Blake at eblake@aaf.org.
If you have any questions, please contact Erica Blake at eblake@aaf.org.