We are thrilled to welcome our newest CreateAthon partner – the University of South Carolina. USC joins us as the fourth university in the country to create  an undergraduate marketing and advertising curriculum based on the CreateAthon model. Other participating schools include Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and James Madison University.

USC’s event will take place Oct. 25-26, 2013, and will be an integral part of a creative leadership course taught by Karen Mallia, Associate Professor at USC’s School of Journalism and Mass Communications. The partnership also brings a second CreateAthon model to the Columbia market, and that’s a win-win situation for Midlands-area nonprofits.

“CreateAthon is an amazing opportunity for students to gain real-world experience in developing marketing communication strategies and powerful creative work – and working under pressure,” Mallia tells us.

She also looks forward to sharing the students’ growing talent in the form of much needed community service.

“The 24-hour marathon model will be a tremendous collaborative experience for them, and we know that both they and the nonprofits served will benefit from such an inspiring pro bono experience, ” she says.

If your nonprofit organization is interested in applying to CreateAthon, the first step is to find a CreateAthon partner in your area and request an application.

South Carolina nonprofits can request an application for USC’s CreateAThon by calling 803.777.1154. You can also contact Teresa Coles at Riggs Partners to apply for their annual CreateAthon event. Applications for both events are due June 30.