Students: Apply Now for the 2012 AAF-KC Foundation Scholarship

Knowledge is Empowerment

This is a truth we embrace at AAF-KC, and it's a truth we'd like to spread. Hence, the American Advertising Federation of Kansas City Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)3 charitable organization established specifically to promote and provide for advertising education. The Foundation was initially funded by AAF-KC. Since then, generous individuals have stepped forward and contributed to the growth of the Foundation's assets along with annual contributions from the AAF-KC.

Every year, the Foundation awards scholarships to those college student applicants who show an intense and earnest desire to empower themselves with knowledge of the advertising, communications, marketing or graphic arts industries.

The AAF-KC Foundation Scholarship includes:

• Financial assistance of $1,000 per semester
• One-year support and counsel of a mentor from the membership of the AAF-KC
• One-year membership in AAF-KC
• Invitations to attend all regular program activities of AAF-KC at no cost while in school (excludes annual ADDY Awards show)
• All AAF-KC mailings/emails
• Membership in the American Advertising Federation

Apply online anytime between now and February 24, 2012. »

[For more about the Foundation Scholarship, please email Sarah Dyerson or call the AAF-KC office, 816.822.0300.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should apply?
Local college students who meet the following criteria:

• Will be a Junior or a Senior, based on total cumulative hours, in the upcoming Fall Semester (so current sophomores/juniors). Excludes graduate students. Seniors graduating in December 2012 are eligible.
• Be enrolled as a full-time student for the upcoming Fall semester in a sequence relating to the marketing, advertising, communications or graphic arts industry.
• Have a high grade-point average meeting the requirements of the university for the chosen sequence. (An official transcript must be provided to AAF-KC either via PDF or mail by the 2/24 deadline to verify grades)
• Submit the application for scholarship, along with three references (names and contact information), and an official college transcript by the specified deadline.
• Students must attend one of the following schools:
  • Avila University
  • Johnson County Community College
  • Kansas City Art Institute
  • Kansas State University
  • Metropolitian Community Colleges (Kansas City)
  • Missouri State University
  • Northwest Missouri State University
  • Park University
  • Pittsburg State University
  • Rockhurst University
  • University of Central Missouri
  • University of Kansas
  • University of Missouri
  • University of Missouri – Kansas City
  • Washburn University
  • Wichita State University

Why should I apply?
While the financial incentive is important, the chance to become a member of the organization, attend all events for free and have a mentor in the Club is even more valuable. In a competitive industry like advertising, the educational and networking opportunities you receive as part of the organization can be very beneficial in finding a job in advertising or related field.

How does the process work?
The first step is the online application, which includes attaching a PDF of the student’s transcript. If a PDF is not available, the student must submit a copy of their transcript to AAF-KC via mail to AAF-KC, Attn: Foundation Scholarships, 1025 Jefferson Street, Kansas City, MO 64105. A few weeks later, the Foundation board will be in touch with students selected for in-person interviews to be held on April 13, 2012. At the in-person interviews, students will meet with the Foundation board members to tell more about themselves, share portfolios (if applicable) and answer a variety of questions. Each interview lasts about 15 minutes.

What are the most important factors in selecting recipients?
The Foundation board considers a variety of factors, including:

• Grades
• Honors
• Activities
• Financial need
• Future career plans, including location
• Desire to work in advertising

How many scholarships are awarded?
There is no set number; the number awarded is based on, first, the amount of money earned by the Foundation’s trust in the previous year. The number of applications received and how student applications are scored by the AAF-KC Foundation board.

Where did the money come from?
AAF-KC owned a building in downtown Kansas City (the Kansas City School of Law building at 913 Baltimore, just north of the Central Library) for many years. When the building was sold, that money was put into a trust that has provided area students with scholarships for over 25 years. Alumni and supporters of qualifying schools and AAF-KC have also made generous contributions over the years.

Who is on the AAF-KC Foundation Board?

• Landa Williams, Landajob – Board President
• Michael LaMonica, Two West
• Siobhan McLaughlin Lesley, Walz Tetrick Advertising
• Jon Cook, VML
• Jeremy Ragonese, Boulevard Brewery
• Frances Bazsta, Black & Veatch
• Linda Buchner, Linda Buchner Creative Management
• Dan Barker, C3
• Kevin Fullerton, Springboard Creative and AAF-KC president
• Misty Stocksdale, Barkley Blacktop and ad2 president
• Kyle Rohde, ER Marketing
• Kay Moore, Barkley
• Theresa Thornhill, Barkley
• Aaron Cathey, Barkley
• Chris Corley, Bernstein-Rein
• Suba Nadarajah, Hallmark
• Sarah Pikul, AAF-KC director