The One Club and WPP launch second year of ONE School UK for black creatives

The One Club for Creativity and WPP will continue their successful partnership for the second year of ONE School UK, a free 16-week online portfolio program designed to open doors to a career in advertising and marketing services for talented UK-based Black creatives.

ONE School launched in the US in 2020 and in the UK in 2022 as a free alternative to ad schools to provide new career opportunities for creative Black individuals, and help make agency and brand creative departments more diverse.

The results-oriented school has already made a tangible difference: an 80% hire rate at top agencies and brands to date for its 250 UK and US graduates, 60% of whom are women.

The virtual ONE School UK returns for its second cohort on 5 November, 2024. Black creatives from all walks of life can apply by 25 October for one of the 15 highly sought-after places. No prior knowledge of advertising or marketing is required.

ONE School UK will be run by Sherina Florence, a multi-talented creative leader who is an accomplished executive creative director and known for leading AI conversations and influencing the world’s best brands. She has held senior creative positions at Ogilvy, 72andSunny, Apple, Beats by Dre, and others, serves on The One Club Board of Directors and donates time outside of work to organizations that are passionate about democratizing equal rights and access.

“ONE School continues to create opportunities globally, demonstrating that The One Club is truly for creativity. It’s an honor to participate in building an inclusive future for the creative industry,” said Florence. “Considering the shifts in our current cultural landscape, paired with our new AI tools, I will bring my passion for new media and high concepts to continue elevating and liberating Black creative scholars. Here’s to an army of diverse creators building the future.”

ONE School teaches students how to navigate the industry while Black. Courses are taught by Black tutors – including some from WPP agencies – and designed to help students bring their authentic voice into their work.

The partnership aligns with WPP’s set of anti-racism commitments and actions from 2020, which aim to advance racial equity and support Black and minority ethnic talent. It forms part of WPP’s Racial Equity Program.

Rob Reilly, Chief Creative Officer, WPP, said “The ONE School program is more than education, it’s about empowering the next generation of creative talent and giving them the tools to revolutionize the industry. To create the best work, our teams must reflect the dynamism and diversity of the world we live in. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t. The expansion of ONE School in the UK is how we continue to change that. I can't wait to see these graduates bring their full selves to the industry and blow us all away.”

“We’re proud to continue this meaningful partnership with an organization that shares our commitment to supporting the next generation of Black creatives in the UK in unlocking their full potential,” added Dr. Stacie Graham, Global Director of WPP’s Racial Equity Program. “With Sherina at the helm, we can ensure that the talented cohort members are equipped with the know-how to utilize tools that are rapidly advancing and amplifying creative transformation while also embedding their craft in tried and tested creative practice. ONE School UK has an opportunity to shape the industry’s landscape, so that it can meet the diverse needs of the consumers that make up this market.”

Ru Guramatunhu graduated with class honors from the first cohort of ONE School UK, and now serves as a Junior Copywriter at Ogilvy UK.

”ONE School was an intense and rewarding experience that pushed me further than I thought possible,” Guramatunhu said. “It gave me the confidence and skills to land my dream job at Ogilvy. If you're ready to challenge yourself and build an incredible portfolio, ONE School is the place to be.”

Black creatives wanting to make the leap into advertising can find more details here about ONE School UK, including information on how to apply by 25 October.