Tombras Touchpoints
The Tombras School of Advertising and Public Relations’ Touchpoints are community-based initiatives serving students and young professionals as they explore, study and begin careers in advertising and public relations.
These touchpoints are carefully designed to provide opportunities for all students, such as professional development workshops for Tombras School students, mentorship, and other signature programs. Keep scrolling to learn more!
Pre-collegiate outreach
Content Creator’s Toolbox
Every summer we offer a one-week intensive program that gives 20 high school students the opportunity to explore the field of advertising and public relations by learning the foundations of content creation and working with brands. Students explore their creativity while learning how to be strategic in their choice of content, messaging, and channels.
Content Palooza
Content Palooza is an interactive, hands-on event that introduces high school students to the world of creative storytelling. Designed to stimulate interest in advertising and PR, the event introduces students to real-world issues via group activities and interactive exercises. At the center of the experience is Make a Pitch, a unique card game that brings together trivia, strategy, and innovative campaign development.
ADPR Exploration Initiative
Through partnerships with flagship high schools in the state, the Tombras School offers a variety of pre-collegiate engagement opportunities designed to help students explore advertising and public relations and imagine themselves in careers in these fields. These initiatives include:
Tombras School Visits
We host middle and high school students for tours of our college at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Our tour provides an overview of the student experience within the Tombras School along with interactive activities geared towards creating a greater understanding of the advertising and public relations industry.
Guest Speakers
The Tombras School faculty volunteer to visit high schools in the state (virtually and in person) to discuss education and career paths in advertising and public Relations. Additionally, our faculty are engaged in research and industry and bring excitement to the classroom around trends in advertising and public relations.
Teacher Externships
Our faculty welcomes high school teachers to the Tombras School to support their efforts to stay current with theoretical and industry applications to integrate into their lessons. We are happy to partner with the Tombras Agency and alumni to make this an enriching experience for teachers in Tennessee.
Professional development programs
Tombras Talks
During the academic year, the Tombras School hosts guest speakers and workshop opportunities geared towards helping current students develop the professional skills that can help them secure internships and careers in the field.
Tombras Agency Tours
Students get to experience the work environment at an advertising agency and learn more about day-to-day operations.
Industry Coaching
Students have an opportunity to have their portfolio and resumes reviewed by Tombras Agency professionals.
Agency 101
Students learn about advertising industry roles and ask questions of junior level employees.
Future Educators Fellowship
The purpose of this program is to provide future college professors with the opportunity to gain insight into the workings of an advertising agency, to update and enrich their teaching, as well as inform their research.
During the summer, a Tombras School PhD candidate is chosen as a fellow to be hosted by the Tombras Advertising Agency for 2-4 weeks. During this time, the fellow would be assigned to one or two agency departments as a shadow, invited to listen in on meetings and have one-on-one conversations with staff members to learn about their roles and the projects they are working on.
