Center for Workforce Equity At the Center for Workforce Equity, we connect degree holders from historically underrepresented communities with high-demand career pathways through employer partnerships, data-driven research, and policy innovation. We provide targeted solutions for workplace equity, promoting economic advancement for underrepresented communities. Read more about our mission here.

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Employer Spotlight

Spark Foundry and Publicis Media x Chicago State University Partnership

Since 2021, Spark Foundry (a global media agency brand within Publicis Media and Chicago State University have partnered to prepare students for a career in digital media through an undergraduate course, “Digital Media Strategy and Buying.”

The 12-week 3-credit course offered in the Spring serves as a foundational course (“Media 101”) focused on the value and operations of media buying and planning. For Publicis Media and Spark Foundry, it also serves as a pipeline of high-performing, diverse talent for potential hiring opportunities.

In addition to the coursework, students participate in events at the agencies, learn from subject matter experts in the industry, and create a final media campaign. Upon completion of the course, students have the opportunity to apply for roles at Publicis Media and Spark Foundry. 

We are happy to share that a graduate of the CSU course will be starting a full-time role at Publicis Media in Summer 2025. That student joins nearly 10 other graduates and current CSU students who have been hired by a Publicis Media agency as a result of the program.

Spark Foundry and Publicis Media will also partner to help advance the Chicago State University Workforce Equity initiative.

Contact Us

We at the Center believe that creating an equitable workforce takes collaboration—from alumni who’ve walked this path to employers, policymakers, and community partners shaping the future of work.

Whether you're an alumnus looking to get help or give back, an employer eager to co-design talent pipelines, or a stakeholder interested in policy and research collaboration, we invite you to partner with us.

Let’s build the future—together.

Lisa Pratt, M.A., M.Ed.

Executive Director

Chicago State University, Center for Workforce Equity

cwe@csu.edu