How do you get your foot in the door if there isn’t one?
The 20Doors Scholarship Fund
Why?
BIPOC Canadians are underrepresented in the ad industry. Many of these young minds never even consider a career as an advertising creative. Why? Because often there is no door for them to enter the industry.
About
The 20Doors Scholarship Fund is about opening doors for new voices. The initiative will cover the tuition for four BIPOC candidates each year, over the next five years, to complete a year-long post-graduate program in copywriting or art direction. Additionally, Zulu Alpha Kilo will provide recipients with the mentorship they need to start a successful career in advertising.
We know the next generation of creative minds is out there. Maybe you’re one of them.
Background
The 20Doors Scholarship Fund was launched by Zulu Alpha Kilo Founder and Chief Creative Officer Zak Mroueh. Founded in 2008, Zulu Alpha Kilo has built a reputation as one of the most respected independent agencies in the world. The company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is rooted in the belief that more diversity leads to better creativity.
When starting his career in the late-1980s, Mroueh faced a number of barriers to landing a creative job in advertising. In fact, he was told he’d never make it in the business because he didn’t have the right credentials, background or connections to get his foot in the door. The 20Doors Scholarship Fund is his agency’s way of giving back to the industry by opening the door for 20 of the best and brightest minds.
How to Apply.
To apply, send us an email at 20Doors@zulualphakilo.com with the following:
A short-video.
A short-video (no more than two mins) telling us a little bit about yourself. What post-secondary program have completed or are you completing. And why a career as an advertising creative excites you.
Example of your creativity.
(any format is great – video, music, written word, etc.) Don’t worry if you’ve never made an ad in your life. We’re looking at your potential. We want to know why you think you’d be great for the ad industry.
From there, we’ll invite a short-list of selected candidates to participate in a virtual job fair where they will face some fun creative challenges, learn from industry professionals, and be interviewed by a panel from the Zulu Alpha Kilo creative team.
Deadline for scholarship submissions is June 28, 2024.
This is your chance. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
FAQs
Scholarship Application Process
How will you contact me if I am selected for the interview process?
We’ll send you an email to set up an interview so we can get to know you.
Will you let me know if I haven’t been chosen for the interview process?
Yes. We will email all candidates regardless of whether they make it through to the interview or not.
How many scholarships will you be awarding at the end of this process?
We will be awarding four (4) scholarships per calendar year between 2021 and 2025.
Who will be reviewing applications and selecting the interviewees?
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of judges who work for Zulu Alpha Kilo. They will be evaluating applications on a per submission basis.
When does the application process open and when does it close?
Applications can be submitted anytime until June 28, 2024.
How will you evaluate candidates during the application process?
Candidates will be evaluated based on the skills we think make a great creative, and whether we think you’d be a good fit for the scholarship.