Our Foundation

From Our Community, For Our Community.

The KC Ad Club Foundation awards annual scholarships to college students who demonstrate exceptional creativity, promise, and purpose in marketing, graphic arts, and related fields. By investing in the next generation of advertising and design professionals, we believe we can build a brighter future for Kansas City. 

If you’re looking to enter the advertising industry, there’s three things that will put you ahead of the competition and just one way to get them all. Current college sophomores and juniors can apply.

Pictured Above: 2023-2024 Foundation Scholars

You’ve got it made.

Mentorship

Personalized guidance from a distinguished industry professional in Kansas City who shares your career interests, providing invaluable insights and advice.

Membership

Complimentary membership in the KC Ad Club grants you access to a vibrant community of industry leaders and professionals, with free admission to a variety of events, excluding the American Advertising Awards.

Money

A prestigious $2,500 scholarship award to support your academic journey and career aspirations.

Eligible Schools

If your school is not listed and you’d like to be added, please contact us at: Foundation@KCAdClub.com.

What To Expect

The Foundation Scholarship Committee will review your completed submission. All applicants will be notified on April 5 if they are a finalist and moving on to the final round. Finalists will be invited to an in-person interview with the Foundation Scholarship Committee in Kansas City the week of April 22. Scholarship recipients will be notified on April 26.   

Meet the Foundation Scholarship Committee

  • Ann Alcasabas

    Creative Director at Signal Theory

  • Megan Bartolac

    Senior Account Manager at VML

  • Jon Cook

    Global CEO at VML

  • Paul Diamond

    Partner at Diamond Merckens Hogan

  • Jamal Gamby

    Associate Design Director at VML

  • Marianne Gjerstad

    Senior Producer at Garmin

  • Krista Masilionis

    Design & Creative Strategy Manager at Burns & McDonnell

  • Abi Pandolfo

    PR Account Director at Trozzolo Communications Group

  • Kyle Rohde

    VP Client Experience at Barkley

  • Libby Schaller

    Freelance Writer & Creative Director at HeyThereLibby.com

  • Eileen Sheeran

    Senior Brand Manager at Barkley

  • Vernon Williams

    Chief People Officer at Dimensional Innovations

Are you a college student majoring in advertising, marketing, graphic arts or a related field?


Apply now for the KC Ad Club Foundation Scholarship and unlock opportunities for financial support, mentorship from industry leaders, and exclusive membership benefits. With this scholarship, mentorship, and membership, you have more than a foot in the door—you have the key to opening it. Don't miss out on this chance to elevate your career—submit your application today!