• by Richard Whitman , Columnist, January 13, 2023

Interpublic Group agency Golin announced this week a new DEI-focused program, called Night School, a free 8-week career development and coaching program aimed at transforming the lives of working adults from marginalized communities interested in pivoting to creative-based industries. 

The program which originally began in Golin’s UK market, contains hands-on training with industry experts in areas such as copywriting, art direction, planning and production. 

The inaugural program in the U.S. started in late September 2022 and features training courses to 12 recruited students who are based in Chicago, Dallas and New York. Each adult student receives a monetary stipend to complete a personal, professional branding project, which culminates in a live exhibition for industry leaders on February 8 in Chicago. The students then receive mentors to help them progress towards personally relevant areas of the industry. 

“Night School was set up to help open the doors to the creative industries,” stated George Bryant, Group Chief Creative Officer, Golin. “We believe diverse and inclusive voices make our company and the broader industry stronger.” 

Separately, The American Advertising Federation (AAF) hosted a gathering of industry leaders to select the 2023 class of Most Promising Multicultural Students.   The organization says the program gives advertising, media, communications, and tech companies the opportunity to tap into high-achieving talent of 50 diverse college students from across the country.

Students will participate in a four-day industry immersion program in New York that will include professional development and personal branding workshops, the Building Bridges for Our Future Awards ceremony and luncheon, and a recruiter’s expo.  

“The 2023 Most Promising inductees continue to raise the bar.” said Ayanna Jackson, EVP, Mosaic Center.  “They are eager to enter our industry with a boldness and eagerness to affect change.  We must develop spaces and opportunities that will allow them to create an industry that’s never been.”

Leading agencies and companies, including 72andSunny, BBDO, Dentsu, Meta, FCB, IPG, McCann, Omnicom Group, UM Worldwide, The Trade Desk, Wieden+Kennedy and others, have been long-standing Most Promising supporters and consider the program a valuable resource in recruiting diverse, entry-level talent.

More about the program can be found here.