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# Branded Student Advertising Programs
LIFEWTR and Penn State are Supporting Design Students

By Grace Mahas | Published 2021-03-18 | Life-Stages
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lifewtr-and-penn-state
References: [lifewtr](https://lifewtr.com/en-us/home/?gd)

Following the cancellation of many internship programs last year due to the ongoing global pandemic, [Penn State](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cnc-college) and LIFEWTR moved quickly to design a first-of-its-kind program for the university’s curriculum. The new initiative offered real-world graphic design experience for its students – complete with input from industry-leading voices across marketing, brand, and design at PepsiCo.

“The quality of work and the dedication that the students put into the project was absolutely amazing; we were blown away,” said Umi Patel, chief marketing officer with [PepsiCo Beverages North America](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reimagined-logo-desgin), [North Division](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skittles-pride-packaging). “We are looking forward to continuing our relationship with Penn State as we move forward.”

As the ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to affect individuals, brands that offer support to those affected will receive improved consumer loyalty and brand recognition.

Image Credit: LIFEWTR, Penn State

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 4.9/10
- Popularity: 59% | Activity: 79% | Freshness: 9%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth)

## Key Themes

### Why This Trend Is Growing

- **Branded Student Advertising Programs:** Brands partnering with universities to offer real-world experience for students may lead to increased brand recognition and consumer loyalty.
- **Virtual Internship Programs:** Virtual internships and remote work opportunities may become the new norm in a post-pandemic world.
- **Collaborations Between Academia and Industry:** Closer collaboration between academia and industry can result in innovative solutions and create mutually beneficial partnerships.

### Industries Being Reshaped

- **Higher Education:** Colleges and universities can enhance their curriculum through partnerships with industry and bridge the gap between academia and the workforce.
- **Beverage Industry:** Beverage companies can offer support to students while also providing an opportunity to scout new talent for their marketing and design teams.
- **Marketing and Advertising Industry:** Marketing and advertising agencies can benefit from collaborating with universities for a fresh perspective and access to up-and-coming talent.

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