The 4A’s has overhauled the Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP) and Vanguard — two of the marketing industry’s cornerstone diversity initiatives, revamping the curriculum for both and expanding access to applicants. It’s a push for more inclusivity, per the non-profit foundation, in response to industry demand. But as diversity, equity and inclusion policies have shifted particularly under President Trump’s term, the change has sparked concerns from former MAIP fellows.
“I look at it as just the ongoing evolution of how we’re always trying to improve, but also meet the shifting needs of our members,” said Marla Kaplowitz, CEO of the 4A’s. “We want to be as inclusive as possible, recognizing there are people who don’t all have access to the same advantages and opportunities.”
MAIP, founded in 1973, has been an internship program to place people of color in marketing roles. MAIP cohort sizes range each year, but there are about 300 to 400 applicants every year for the program, according to MAIP’s informational page. Vanguard, meanwhile, has been a professional development program since 2021 that ensures non-white talent has equitable access to leadership roles. Since last October, the 4A’s have added an academic curriculum to MAIP and enhanced Vanguard’s curriculum. The biggest change also made at that time, however, may be the programs’ shift to allow all people to apply, according to the 4A’s.
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