Boost NYC's young creators
Advertising externship: work-based learning that brings young NYC creators together with NYC-based companies

Creativity that pays
Introduce young people to a rewarding career in advertising
$130K
median pay in 2021 for advertising and marketing managers
10%
labor demand growth over next decade (double the average across all industries)
A fresh approach to work-based learning
In an industry as fast-paced as advertising, new talent with a fresh perspective can make the difference. We're here to help you create tomorrow's advertisers in your own community.
We're here in NYC helping find undiscovered talent and giving them access to the skills they need to break into exciting careers like advertising.
And by partnering with us, you can be part of training tomorrow's advertising innovators—and gaining access to an entry-level workforce in your community.

11 Years
of experience creating innovative programs for youth across the nation
20,000
students from Elementary to High School have graduated from our programs
91%
success rating from students, parents, and educators.
Discover and nurture NYC talent
Let's work together to find the advertising leaders of tomorrow right here in NYC.
Discover gold
Access a unique pool of diverse entry-level talent by tapping into our K-12 network. We manage the relationships with educators and recruit students in your community so you don't have to.
Trained to your standards
We work with your team to define your entry-level skillsets and train our cohorts to be successful from day 1 on your team.
Scale impact, not burden
The Work ED team does most of the work for you in marketing, recruiting, development and operating the apprenticeship. We only ask for 10 hours of your team's time every week for 6 weeks.
Past contributors include:

Backed by industry professionals
Donnie Javed is the Head of Marketing for Stack Blue Digital Marketing Agency and also manages his own marketing agency, Adverb. He has guided political campaigns, launched mobile apps, worked with multiple startups, and taught classes at Baruch College. Currently, he is a permanent advisor to Baruch's Executive MBA program, providing real world insight and strategies from a marketing lens. Donnie grew up in Astoria, Queens and attended NYC Public Schools.

"By participating in this workplace challenge with the amazing team at MECA and Work ED, a student can gain valuable insight on what it would be like to work in a startup and digital advertising team to discover if this industry is a good match for the student's career goals and interests, talents, skills and personality."
Carol Sun, an artist and educator who grew up in the Bronx and attended NYC public schools. Today she is well known for her innovative curriculum and leadership in career technical education for creative workforce training. Prior to becoming a teacher, she was a graphic designer and adjunct college professor at Cooper Union and Parsons New School.
How the program works:
Program kick off at an NYC company
An event to get students excited about the workplace challenge, see a day in the life at an NYC startup company, and begin networking with professionals.
Guest speakers
We invite thought leaders in advertising, technology and entrepreneurship, giving students an opportunity to learn from the best, give them an opportunity to ask questions, and make potential future connections.
Work site tour
Students visit an NYC start-up to experience life as a professional and see what's required to take a business from concept to launch.
School site workshops
An in-person class at a designated NYC school site. Students are given professional guidance on how to launch their campaign, with a focus on "doing" (i.e., work-based learning).
Focus groups
We'll arrange multiple focus groups as the throughout, giving students opportunities for continuous feedback as their campaign evolves.
Competition
Students will compete against other teams based on their overall advertising campaign and other key elements of success, such as how they supported their client and met their needs.
Final presentation and networking
Final presentations will be at a worksite or designated location for all groups to share their final pitch, deliverables, and outcomes. This is part ceremony, part celebration, part networking, and part final competition with awards handed out to winning teams.
NYC Advertising Program
Dates | Time | Type | Details |
---|---|---|---|
April 8th | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm EST | In Person | Workshops and activities |
April 11th-14th | 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm EST | In Person | Workshops and activities |
April 18th-21st | 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm EST | In Person | Team project prep, advertisement launch, and networking |
April 22nd | 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST | In Person | Final Event with Team Competitions and Mock Interviews |
April 8th
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm EST
Type: In Person
Workshops and activities
April 11th-14th
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm EST
Type: In Person
Workshops and activities
April 18th-21st
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm EST
Type: In Person
Team project prep, advertisement launch, and networking
April 22nd
Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST
Type: In Person
Final Event with Team Competitions and Mock Interviews
