Signal Theory Supports Diversity in Advertising through $10,000 Resonance Scholarship and Paid Internship - Signal Theory
A design featuring yellow, white and black elements announces Signal Theory's Resonance Scholarship for 2023.

Partnership with The BrandLab KC exemplifies firm’s focus on people, diversity and culture

Partnering for a third year,  Signal Theory and The BrandLab KC, a nonprofit organization bringing diverse voices to the marketing and advertising industry, invite students to apply to the Resonance Scholarship.

The application period is open Jan. 24 through Feb. 21, 2023. Signal Theory will award one $10,000 or two $5,000 scholarships. Recipients are guaranteed a paid internship with the firm following their second year of college.

“Bringing diversity to an industry isn’t just something we talk about. It’s something we actively work toward,” said John January, co-CEO of Signal Theory. “Humans seek comfort, joy and meaning – especially in their work. Providing that to our employees means showing we’re open to bringing new and diverse perspectives on board. The Resonance Scholarship helps us do this while demonstrating to our applicants what genuine commitment to diversity looks like.” 

The 2022 Resonance Scholarship was awarded to Lyric Evans, a Kansas City Kansas Community College student studying studio art with a goal of becoming a graphic designer. The 2021 winner, Dacia Hindsman, is studying at Langston University in Oklahoma and will intern with Signal Theory’s brand strategy team this summer.

“Receiving the Resonance Scholarship means the world to me. It is one of the greatest opportunities I’ve been given, and will provide the financial means and security to help me achieve my bachelor’s degree and pursue my dream of a career in the creative arts,” said Evans.

Amy Brown, program manager for The BrandLab KC, said, “Not only does the Resonance Scholarship help students fund their education, the internship component also gets students into the workplace where they can develop their skills and build connections that will launch them into their careers. We’re thrilled to continue such a meaningful and impactful partnership.”

13 BrandLab KC interns pose for a group photo on the steps at Signal Theory’s Kansas City office.

BrandLab KC interns pose for a group photo on the steps at Signal Theory’s Kansas City office.

Virtual Information Session

Signal Theory and The BrandLab will host a virtual information session Feb. 13 to provide more information and answer questions for interested students, educators, parents and others in the advertising/communications industry.

Resonance Scholarship Requirements

  • Eligible students must be currently enrolled in The BrandLab’s Kansas City program or be a graduate of The BrandLab’s Kansas City chapter. 
  • Students must attend an accredited two- or four-year college or university program and  declare and work toward a major that loosely pertains to advertising and marketing.
  • Scholarship funds must be used toward class hour credits.
  • Applicants must successfully complete at least one internship with The BrandLab before or after being awarded a Resonance Scholarship.
  • Eligible students must be high school seniors or college freshmen, sophomores or juniors.
  • Students can apply for the Resonance Scholarship and view full eligibility requirements and details.

Selection Process

Each year, a committee of The BrandLab and Signal Theory leaders will interview scholarship finalists before selecting one winner for a $10,000 award or two co-winners receiving $5,000 awards. Applications for the 2023-24 academic year open Jan. 24, 2023, and close Feb. 21, 2023. Scholarship recipients will be notified the week of March 20, 2023.

How BrandLab Supports Diverse Students 

The BrandLab’s program targets students who are racially and ethnically diverse by collaborating with school districts throughout the Kansas City area, including Kansas City Public Schools and districts in Kansas City, Kan., South Kansas City, Independence and Winnetonka. BrandLab leaders meet with about 400 students annually to talk about careers in marketing and advertising.

Kelli Williams, CEO of The BrandLab KC, said the organization’s mission-focused impact hits near and dear to her heart. “As a black woman who has been in the marketing industry for about 20 years, I’ve often been the only black person or person of color in the room. The only black woman in leadership.

“Our mission to change both the face and voice of the marketing industry is one I know personally. Ensuring that we are both diversifying the industry and creating inclusive environments that welcome diverse perspectives is our mission, and our mission comes to life in action. I’m so proud of the opportunity to lead this organization.”

To stay up to date on the Resonance Scholarship and other firm news, connect with Signal Theory on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

About The BrandLab

Founded in 2009, The BrandLab is a multi-market nonprofit organization building a movement to change the face and voice of the marketing and advertising industry. The BrandLab’s vision is a marketing and advertising industry that thrives with the insights and creativity of people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. This vision is achieved through four core pillars: exposure, access, opportunity and equity. To learn more, visit thebrandlab.org.

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