Jackson Spalding launches IC3 Scholars Program

Atlanta-based marketing communications firm focuses on mentoring minority students

ATLANTA (October 2008) - Jackson Spalding, one of the South's largest independent marketing communications firms, announced the launch of its IC3 Scholars Program, an internship geared to attract and develop minority talent. The program's name comes from the firm's tagline: image creation, cultivation and communication.

The IC3 Scholarship will introduce students to the company's three divisions: JS Creative, a branding, design and multimedia team; JS Cultivation, a media and speaker training team; and JS Communications, which focuses on writing, media relations and event promotion.

The program is directed to seniors at an accredited HBCU (Historically Black College and University), beginning this year with Hampton University, the alma mater of Jackson Spalding account leader Tiffani Thomas. The outreach will later extend to other HBCUs with strong academic programs in relevant subjects, such as journalism, communications, marketing, English, advertising and graphic design as well as to individuals representing other minority groups.

"Our industry needs to reflect our world and our clients, which are both multi-cultural," said co-founder Bo Spalding. "This gives us a good start on moving toward that goal."

Dallas, Texas native Jestina Adediji was chosen as the first recipient of the scholarship after a rigorous selection process that required a minimum 3.0 GPA, strong letters of recommendation, a 600-word essay as well as passing an industry writing test. During her 3-month paid internship, Adediji received a stipend to cover living expenses.

Adediji graduated from Hampton University with a Bachelor's degree in communications and journalism and a minor in marketing. During her time at Hampton, Adediji was chosen as a National Hampton Alumni Association Scholar and William Randolph Hearst Scholar.

She has held internships with Scripps Networks in Knoxville, the Food Network in New York City and the Hampton University Office of Admissions. She also was a volunteer with University Relations at Hampton, where she wrote articles for the university's Web site and was published in the alumni and student newsletters, as well as the Hampton University magazine.

Jackson Spalding is an active Corporate Partner of Black Public Relations Society of Atlanta.

About Jackson Spalding

Jackson Spalding is one of the largest independent marketing communications firms in the Southeast, with offices in Atlanta, Athens, Ga. and Dallas. It is a full-service image creation, cultivation and communications firm, representing companies “from first step to blue chip.” The company includes more than 60 professionals working across many business and organizational sectors. Clients include Chick-fil-A, Cousins Properties, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Delta Air Lines, Morehouse School of Medicine, Orkin Inc., Post Properties, Primrose Schools, Publix Super Markets and The University of Georgia. Jackson Spalding is a partner in Public Relations Organisation International, a global network of independent public relations consultancies, and in the Issues Management Network, a consortium of crisis communications firms. For more information, please visit www.jacksonspalding.com.

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