New York City High School Opens Student-Run Ad Agency

The 4A’s, the leading trade association representing U.S. advertising agencies and the major force behind the first high school with an advertising-focused curriculum, announced today the launch of the first accredited advertising agency in the country run by high school students.

The High School for Innovation in Advertising and Media (IAM) in Brooklyn launched IAM Advertising, a student-run agency housed at the school. The agency is in conversations with potential clients including PepsiCo and PBS as well as local retailers to produce ad campaigns.

Representatives from the United Federation of Teachers and New York State Board of Education, local community leaders and politicians, including Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 4.

“Some of the most famous agencies in the world started with a small group of people working together,” said Nancy Hill, President and CEO of the 4A’s. “These students have already produced work that is in market, and having an agency of their own will help nurture their creative talents and prepare them for the job market.”

Additionally, the Advertising Club of New York presented awards to five IAM graduates who will share its $60,000 scholarship. Those students, Meagan Francis, Jermaine Richards, Darren Freeman, Camile Wharwood and Vanessa Reid successfully completed the required credits in the school’s advertising program and plan to continue their education in advertising, design or media at the post-secondary level.

In March, IAM students presented an integrated ad campaign for Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative to combat childhood obesity. The campaign included a web video, print advertising and an app, which targeted teens and reinforced recreational activity and exercise as the keys to good health.

About the 4A’s
The 4A’s was founded in 1917 as the national trade association of the advertising industry, providing leadership, advocacy and best-practices guidelines for some 1,200 member agencies. It also serves as the liaison to government, media and the public sector. For more information, visit the 4A’s website at aaaa.org, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook or join our LinkedIn group.