4As Foundation launches Equitable Future Funding Consortium to Support MAIP and High School Programming

Google Joins 4As as Lead Funding Partners

New York, NY – June 17, 2024 – The 4As Foundation, the 4As (American Association of Advertising Agencies) non-profit that equips, celebrates and connects a community of diverse talent to educational and professional advancement opportunities, today announced the creation of Equitable Futures Funding Consortium, which will bring together agencies and other industry organizations to support and underwrite key Foundation programs, including High School Education Programs, and MAIP (the Multicultural Advertising Intern Program), the largest and longest running national diversity talent pipeline in the advertising industry today. Consortium partners will each invest $100,000 over two years.

“To kick-start this new initiative, the 4As is proud to be investing $100,000 in the Equitable Future Funding Consortium. The positive impact the Foundation’s programs have had on our industry for decades is undeniable,” says Marla Kaplowitz, CEO of the 4As. “We invite other industry leaders to join us in making an investment in our collective future.”

The Consortium has a $1 million fundraising goal. Joining the 4As in their $100,000 pledge is lead consortium partner Google, a longtime supporter of 4As Foundation programs.  

“Google has partnered with the 4As Foundation’s education and talent development initiatives over the years, and we are proud to be among the first to invest in the Equitable Futures Funding Consortium” says Marta Martinez, Google Managing Director Data, Technology and Measurement, and 4As Foundation board member. 

Through MAIP, over 4,500 diverse college interns have been placed at agencies since the program’s inception, with 87% of our college fellows having been hired full time and MAIP Fellows earning a combined $1.2 Million via their 2023 fellowship summer salaries. 

Through our Career and Technical Education high school programs, 4As Foundation achieves a 90% graduation rate. Programs within these schools prepare students from under-resourced backgrounds with skills building, experiential learning and career exposure to the advertising and marketing fields. The 4As Foundation supports curriculum development, and offers opportunities for agency leaders to directly connect with students via our ReACT (pitch) competition, Career Days, and Immersion Days at agencies. 

While progress has been made for underrepresented youth, significant barriers remain and the Consortium aims to close that gap. Consortium investment will help drive equitable representation, economic empowerment and sustainable advancement for diverse, under-resourced talent in creative industries. 

“The mission and impact of the 4As Foundation is of critical relevance to advertising and all creative industries where culture is being shaped,” says Tangie Murray, SVP of the 4As Foundation. “Investment in the Consortium is a direct investment in our shared equitable future, and the lives and livelihoods of the diverse talent we champion.”

The 4As Foundation invites industry leading organizations who are committed to creating equitable futures, to join us in ensuring that future generations of diverse leaders thrive in industries powered by creativity. To learn more about the Consortium and 4As Foundation programs please visit the 4As Foundation Website.