Crain Communications has partnered with Michigan State University as the exclusive media sponsor of Ignite the Future 鈥� a program that will work to improve diversity in the communications field, with emphasis placed on Michigan businesses.
The program will provide resources for first-generation college students to ensure successful outcomes and improve representation across the communications industry. Ignite the Future is an expansion of the Ignite Summer Bridge program, which helps students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds attending MSU鈥檚 College of Communication Arts and Sciences transition from high school to college.
Sponsor partners and Ignite the Future students will engage in mentorship and learning opportunities via internships, special projects, guest lectures and more to help make the transition from college to career. There will be a cohort of students every three years.
鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to partner with MSU on the Ignite the Future program,鈥� said KC 换妻俱乐部, President and CEO of Crain Communications. 鈥淩epresentation matters, and our team is excited to work with the students, university and other partners to create opportunities and shepherd the next generation of professionals into our businesses.鈥�
换妻俱乐部 is a Diamond Partner of the program. Other partners include MSU Federal Credit Union (Diamond Partner), Ally (Gold Partner), Rocket Mortgage (Gold Partner), Martin Waymire (Silver Partner), and United Wholesale Mortgage (Bronze Partner).
鈥淚n ComArtSci, we are thinking big about what it will take to increase diversity both in higher education and in the communications industries where our students go to work,鈥� said Teresa Mastin, Interim Dean of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. 鈥淭he launch of Ignite the Future is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our alumni and corporate partners, who share our vision of creating transformative opportunities for these exceptional students.鈥�
Ignite the Future is structured around a family of initiatives, each designed to enhance students’ educational experience, social well-being, and career opportunities:
- Ignite Pathways: A comprehensive pathway initiative encompassing high school pathway programs and a summer bridge program to ignite students’ interest in ComArtSci majors while facilitating a smooth transition from high school to MSU.
- Ignite Cohorts: An immersive cohort initiative that offers tailored mentorship, coaching, academic planning, career exploration, and experiential learning opportunities. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and ensures academic success throughout students’ time in ComArtSci.
- Ignite Careers: A dynamic, career-centered mentorship and support initiative in partnership with ComArtSci alumni and local corporations, dedicated to guiding recent graduates towards a promising career trajectory.
You can learn more about the program .
About Crain Communications
Crain Communications is a privately held media company that produces trusted and relevant news across digital platforms, publications, lead generation, research and data products, digital platforms, custom publishing, and events with uncompromising integrity. Reaching 78 million readers globally, the company鈥檚 portfolio consists of 24 brands. Many of 换妻俱乐部鈥檚 brands are the most influential media properties in the verticals they serve including Automotive News, Ad Age, Modern Healthcare, Plastics News, and Pensions & Investments. Headquartered in Detroit, the company has 700+ employees in nine locations delivering exceptional news content over a variety of platforms to empower the success of its readers and clients. To learn more about Crain Communications, visit crain.com.
About Ignite the Future
Ignite the Future is a coordinated family of programs in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at MSU designed to empower first-generation students and students from historically marginalized backgrounds. Ignite the Future supports students on their journey from high school to early career, providing inspiration, mentorship, career advising, academic support, and a strong sense of belonging. In collaboration with our corporate partners, we鈥檙e setting a foundation for lifelong success and creating new opportunities for careers in the communication industries.
Contacts:
Ariel Oltean
Director of Corporate Communications
Crain Communications
aoltean@crain.com
(517) 256-8176
Allison Eason
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
Michigan State University | College of Communication Arts and Sciences
sinkalli@msu.edu
(517) 884-4978
