The Foundation for Out of Home Advertising Research and Education (FOARE) announced the students who will receive 14 Foundation scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year. The FOARE Scholarship Program supports the education and career goals of those who are part of the out of home (OOH) advertising industry family as well as students who may have an interest in the industry or be in a position to shape its future. Since the program was established in 2001, 262 students have received FOARE scholarships.
The following recipients have been awarded $5,000 scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year.
General Scholarships
Dylan M. Day, from Harrison Township, MI, is entering his junior year and studying for a B.S. in Construction Management at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI. Both Dylan’s mother and father have long histories working in the OOH industry. Dylan’s mother, Dace Kainass Day, who is a 30-year industry veteran, currently works for Billups as an account director. Dylan’s father, Darrin Day, recently retired after a 35-year career in the industry, including 13 years with Circle Graphics. “The OOH industry is a family in every sense of the word,” Dylan said. Dylan added that his parents’ work in the industry inspired him to study Construction Management with a minor in Business. “While many see a billboard as a marketing tool,” he said, “I see it as a complex construction project. I am fascinated by the ‘steel in the ground’ – the engineering required for wind-loads, the precision of digital display installation, and the project management required to maintain high-value assets.” Dylan’s goal is to establish a construction firm that specializes in the development and maintenance of OOH advertising infrastructure. “I want to ensure that the physical infrastructure of this industry remains as innovative, safe, and impactful as the advertisements they carry,” he said. “I am proud to be a second-generation member of this community, and I am eager to contribute my own chapter to its history.”
Lauren M. Hargrove, from Richmond, VA, is studying for an M.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) in Blacksburg, VA. Lauren’s mother, Karen Hargrove, is currently a senior real estate manager for Lamar Advertising in Richmond, VA. Lauren already has completed an M.S. in Agricultural and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech and will begin the university’s M.S. program in Nutrition and Dietetics to become a Registered Dietitian. Lauren’s goal is to specialize in functional medicine and holistic wellness. She said she learned from her mother’s work that the most powerful messages are the ones that meet people where they are. “That principal shapes everything about the career I am building in nutrition and wellness,” she said. “I have seen first-hand through my mother’s work how outdoor advertising shapes public awareness; and I believe OOH platforms are uniquely positioned to advance public health education in communities that need it most.”
Kaitlyn H. Lee, from McLean, VA, is entering her freshman year studying for a B.A. in Economics and Government at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. Her mother, Esther Lee, who has spent most of her career in advertising and marketing, now partners with agencies to design and place OOH advertising. Kaitlyn developed an interest in robotics at a young age, but realized that she was the only girl in robotics camp. That inspired her as a high school student to get involved in an organization to help teach elementary school girls hands-on science and engineering. She also formed an all-girls robotics team that won a statewide championship award. This experience has helped shape her interest in marketing technology. “I am drawn to translating complex innovations into clear narratives that help people understand not just what a technology does, but why it matters,” she said. “I want to explore how marketing influences trust, adoption, and impact in emerging technologies. Ultimately, I am particularly interested in OOH advertising, especially in an age when we are all constantly bombarded by digital ads. There is something powerful about physical storytelling in public spaces that cannot be skipped or scrolled past.”
Morgan G. Lowe, from Oyster Bay Cove, NY, is entering her freshman year at the University of Maryland in College Park, MD. She plans to seek a B.A. in Communications. Her father, Jamie Lowe, has worked in the OOH industry for 25 years beginning his career at TDI and then eventually transitioned to Titan. He is currently the Chief Revenue Officer of Somo, a Digital Out of Home company that operates 10,000 digital taxi screens across the country. Morgan’s understanding of the out of home industry came early in life when her childhood birthday parties were being advertised on phone kiosks in New York City. As an aspiring artist, she also has seen her artwork displayed recently on thousands of digital taxi tops. “Growing up in New York City,” she said, “I have had the opportunity to see numerous advertisements my father helped create. Watching his work come to life has shown me how influential advertisements can be. Seeing the joy on my father’s face when one of his company’s advertisements was displayed made me realize that design is much more than just art; it’s a tool for connecting people in an everlasting way.” Lauren hopes for a career in advertising that will enable her to create work that “tells a story, displays emotion, and represents my own ideas and experiences.”
Trae A. Raye-Redmond, from Trotwood, OH, is entering his freshman year at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH and is seeking a B.F.A. in Graphic Design. Trae grew up thinking that playing sports was the only realistic way he could afford to attend college. He played three years of high school varsity football and even served as the team captain in his senior year. Realizing that sports were not his passion, he rejected multiple offers that would have enabled him to attend college on a full sports scholarship. “I fell head over heels for creativity,” he said. “I spent hours learning graphic design, photography, designer clothing, marketing, and so much. Eventually, I discovered that design was more than just art. It’s a way to send messages and inspire others. Through visuals, branding, and storytelling, design can influence culture or even build communities.” As a high school student, Trae also started his own clothing line called Trybe Essential, which taught him marketing, branding, and other entrepreneurial skills. He also creates sports graphics, photography, and promotional content for athletes and local businesses. Trae, who was the high school class valedictorian, said his long term goal is to become a creative director, which is why he “went against the expectations and enrolled in a school where I did not have a football offer.”
The Allman Family Business Development, Marketing, and Sales Scholarship
Samuel G. Gellin, from Washington, D.C., was selected to receive the Allman Family Business Development, Marketing, and Sales Scholarship. The Allman Family Scholarship, established by Don and Cathy Allman, recognizes the important link between sales, marketing, and business development. Samuel will begin this fall to pursue an MBA at the Columbia Business School, the business school at Columbia University in New York, NY. Since receiving his undergraduate degree in 2020 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he has worked for Bully Pulpit International, a global strategic communications and public affairs agency. As part of his work, he has engaged with various OOH companies, including Lamar Advertising, Clear Channel Outdoor, OUTFRONT, JCDecaux, and Vistar Media to develop national campaigns for Starbucks, McDonalds, Climate Power, Waymo, and the Kamala Harris Presidential campaign. “My experience working alongside major OOH companies and integrating OOH into national campaigns has given me a strong professional connection to the industry,” he said, “and a genuine interest in its future as media, technology, and creativity continue to converge.” His work has included creative strategy, planning, and execution of OOH campaigns across traditional billboards, digital placements, transit media, large-format installations, and emerging experiential formats in markets across the country. Samuel said that he decided to return to school to strengthen his analytical, strategic, and leadership skills to “drive marketing campaigns that genuinely resonate with audiences.” He aspires to lead global brand and consumer strategy campaigns for organizations and lead global teams working on large scale marketing campaigns. In his spare time, Samuel is a marathon runner and already has successfully completed the Boston Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon.
The Vern and Elaine Clark Outdoor Advertising Industry “Champion” Scholarship
Karli C. Smith, from Mapleton, UT, was named the recipient of the Vern and Elaine Clark Outdoor Advertising Industry “Champion” Scholarship. The scholarship recognizes a student who demonstrates through their academic life, community activities, and career goals the skills that made Vern Clark, a long-time industry champion, successful in his efforts. Karli is entering her freshman year at the Central Wyoming Community College in Riverton, WY, to study health sciences. She is the daughter of Chad Smith, the Vice President of Supply for Blip Billboards/Adkom. “Growing up with a connection to the out-of-home advertising industry through my dad’s work has influenced me in many ways,” she said. “I have seen firsthand the amount of dedication, creativity, and teamwork that goes into the industry. Watching my dad work hard while building strong relationships with others showed me the importance of integrity and commitment. It helped me understand that success is not measured by accomplishments, but also by the way you treat people and the impact you leave on them.” Karli’s interest in the health care industry was spurred in part by interning in a hospital and other volunteer community work. “My goal is to pursue a career in health care where I can make a difference in people’s lives while continuing to grow as a leader and student,” she said. Karli has an extensive resume of community activism that includes high school sports, media communications, and church activities. She said these activities have helped her develop resilience, communication skills, leadership skills, and empathy. “They have impacted my life by helping me grow into a stronger and more confident person,” she added. “Serving others has shown me that looking outside of yourself consistently produces something you cannot manufacture on your own.” Karli acknowledges that her father’s work in the OOH industry has influenced her choices, including her career choice. “I want to bring that same orientation into health care, where the stakes are even more personal,” she added. “It would represent values I have watched live out through the out-of-home advertising industry: hard work, genuine connection, and the belief that what you build can change how people see the world.”
The Nancy Fletcher Leadership Scholarship
Lily J. Marcus, from Montclair, NJ, was named the recipient of the Nancy Fletcher Leadership Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to a woman with a specific connection to the OOH industry, who has demonstrated leadership qualities and skills. The scholarship recognizes the work of Nancy Fletcher, who served for 28 years as the President and CEO of the Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA). Lily is entering her freshman year at the University of Maryland in College Park, MD and is seeking a B.A. in Psychology. Her father, Howard Marcus, is an Account Executive in Advertising Sales at OUTFRONT Media. Lily has an impressive academic record while balancing athletics and volunteer service, including 40 hours of community service through Temple New Tamid, a Jewish reform congregation in Bloomfield, NJ. Lily credits the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, the responsibility to repair the world, for shaping her career aspirations. “I hope to pursue a career that allows me to combine analytical skills with meaningful service using data and critical thinking to contribute to stronger, more equitable communities,” she said. Diagnosed with ADHD, Lily acknowledges having to work harder to maintain focus, especially with test taking. Lily points to Mary Wells Lawrence, the first woman to serve as the CEO of a company listed on the New York Stock Agency and who, by 1969, was thought to be the highest paid executive in the advertising industry, as an inspiration. “I admire her because she never let expectations or stereotypes stop her from pursuing her goals,” Lily said. “As a woman, she had to work harder to earn respect, but she continued to push herself and build a successful career. To me, that is what real leadership looks like. It’s not just about having power or authority, but about believing in yourself, motivating others, and being confident enough to stand out. Her story reminds me that success often comes from taking chances and trusting your own ideas.” Lily added that Mary Wells Larence changed the advertising industry at a time when men mostly held leadership positions. “Even though she worked in a male-dominated industry, Mary Wells Lawrence stayed true to herself and proved that creativity and strong leadership could go hand in hand. She showed that women can succeed in leadership positions while still being creative and original in a time when many could not. Her determination and confidence are qualities I hope to bring into my own future career. ”
The Joseph Zukin Jr. Educational Opportunity Scholarship
Two students have been named to receive the Joseph Zukin Jr. Educational Opportunity Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year. The scholarship was established in 2021 to recognize the work ethic and commitment to community engagement that were hallmarks of the life of Joseph Zukin Jr., who was inducted into the OAAA Hall of Fame in 2013. Although his career in out of home advertising began in 1968, Mr. Zukin’s career spanned more than half a century and included starting several business ventures, including an amusement park, service stations, and radio stations – all of which reflected and contributed to the unprecedented economic boom in California following World War II. One of Mr. Zukin’s defining traits was his compassion for others, especially those who might need a helping hand. He always believed in treating all people with respect and honesty and that all people are equal.
Shekena K. Mompremier, from Tallahassee, FL, who will be entering her junior year at Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL, in pursuit of a B.S. in Criminology with minors in Social Work and Education, has been designated to receive the Joseph Zukin Jr. Educational Opportunity Scholarship. The daughter of Haitian immigrant parents, Shekena is a first generation college student. Her career goal is to create higher education programs that support formerly incarcerated and “justice-impacted” students. Shekena stresses that her career goals, which focus on advocacy, education, and public impact, are consistent with OOH’s mission. “Out of home advertising has the power to inform communities, raise awareness, and connect people to opportunities and resources in everyday public spaces,” she said. “Many of the students and families I hope to serve may not always have direct access to traditional networks of information, so public messaging can play an important role in making resources more visible. Whether through billboards, transit ads, campus signage, or community campaigns, OOH can help bring attention to issues like college access, reentry support, youth prevention programs, and the school-to-prison pipeline.” Described by her peers as a “natural leader,” Shekena already has made a mark on campus having served in various leadership positions with the Student Alumni Association. As an Upward Bound Summer Residential Counselor, Shekena worked with underserved high school students to help prepare them for college. The death of her brother has influenced the career path she has chosen. “Through my grief,” she said, “I discovered a deeper passion for advocacy, criminal justice, social work, and education. Seeking a college education became a way for me to honor him and the future I still had a chance to build. I understood that education could give me the knowledge, language, and opportunities needed to create change. It could prepare me to advocate for people and communities who are often overlooked, especially justice-impacted youth. Although losing my brother is a pain I will always carry, it reminds me that my education is not just for me. It is for my family, my community, my brother, and the people I hope to serve one day.”
Emmanuel Rodriguez Mejia, from Santa Ana, CA, who will be entering his freshman year at Yale University, in pursuit of a B.A. in Political Science and Data Science, also has been designated to receive the Joseph Zukin Jr. Educational Opportunity Scholarship. Emmanual will be entering Yale this fall after graduating with nine associate degrees, including in Mathematics, Political Science, Economics, and Computer Fundamentals for Business. He hopes to find a career path in the OOH industry. “My greatest academic passion has always lived at the intersection of two worlds: political science and data science,” he said. “One teaches me how people think, how power shapes public space, and how messages move communities. The other gives me the tools to measure, model, and prove it. For a long time, I searched for an industry where both could coexist meaningfully. I found it in OOH advertising.” Emmanuel utilized his interest in data science as part of his volunteer activities. As an intern with the Energy Coalition, he analyzed consumption data and build StoryMaps to communicate findings. He learned though other internships how to translate complex data into compelling public narratives. His leadership skills are reflected in his role as co-President of the high school Speech and Debate team and as co-Editor-in-Chief of his high school newspaper. As a first generation Mexican-American, Emmanual became involved in the Nicholas Academic Centers, a community-based, college access after-school program dedicated to empowering first generation and limited-income students to achieve college enrollment and graduation. His mentor said Emmanuel’s initiative, strong communication skills, and demonstrated leadership position him for future success. “Growing up in a low income family,” Emmanuel said, “I believe that higher education is extremely powerful. I seek a higher education not simply for a degree, but to build the knowledge, tools, and networks necessary to create real lasting change in the world – even if that change begins small. I am drawn to the OOH industry because of its power to reach communities – to make invisible stories visible in public spaces. A college education will give me the foundation to enter the industry equipped not only with skills, but with purpose.”
The Ruth Segal Scholarship
Benjamin A. Robinson, from Chesapeake, VA, has been named the recipient of the Ruth Segal Scholarship. Benjamin is entering his freshman year at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, studying for a B.A. in Political Science. The scholarship was established to recognize a student studying social services, political science, communications, law, or a related discipline. The scholarship is named after a long-time member of the Out Of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA) staff, who worked tirelessly to educate federal and state policymakers about the OOH advertising industry. Benjamin plans to pursue a career in international law and diplomacy. “My goal is to help create systems that expand access to opportunity regardless of socioeconomic circumstances,” he said. “I want to use my education to advocate for meaningful change through law and public service.” Benjamin says his career goals align with the interests of the OOH industry. “OOH advertising is a part of public daily life existing in spaces that we as a society move through continuously,” he said. “This connects with my future potential role in influencing public policy, zoning and community standards, free speech, and how information is shared with the public.” His interest in political science and advocacy stem from high school classes on rhetorical argumentation. “These classes helped me become more confident in my voice – especially in prose and poetry – and showed me that I enjoy environments where ideas are openly and extensively discussed and debated,” he added. Benjamin also has taught himself how to speak French and Japanese as a way to help him understand and appreciate different cultures and ideas. “People are not exposed to different points of view as much as they should be,” he added. “This unfortunate disconnect creates a situation where people operate and make decisions within a vacuum. When people stop engaging with different perspectives, it becomes harder to solve real problems or make informed decisions as a society.”
The Eric M. Rubin Scholarship
Barbara Agyapong, from Chicago, IL, has been designated to receive the Eric M. Rubin Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to a student currently attending a law school or who has been accepted into a law program and is committed to enroll in a law school It recognizes the life work of Eric Rubin, who has been acknowledged as the nation’s leading authority on out of home advertising law. He is recognized for developing this distinct area of media law. For decades, he served as legal counsel for the Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA). Barabara is seeking a law degree at the Chicago-Kent College of Law at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, IL. Currently, she works as a program manager at the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago managing its e commerce program. In this capacity, she has worked with retail, restaurant, and service-based businesses – many of which use OOH advertising, especially transit advertising, as primary tools for reaching customers. She expects to focus her legal studies on intellectual property, privacy, contract, and regulatory law. “My career goal is to protect small businesses; bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and legal access; and to shape the advertising policies and regulatory frameworks that protect privacy, ideas, and govern how businesses grow and compete,” she said. She noted that digital transformation, data privacy, and zoning disputes are reshaping advertising. “I want to be an attorney who understands both the industry and the people it serves,” she added. “The rapid digital evolution of advertising makes it a space where skilled, equity-minded legal advocates are increasingly essential and where my intended practice areas connect most directly.” Barbara also has a M.A.in International and Comparative Politics from Wright State University in Fairborn, OH; and a B.A. in Political Science from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana.
The Reagan Family Scholarship Endowment
Two students were designated to receive the Reagan Family Scholarship Endowment. The Reagan Family Scholarship was established with FOARE in 2014 by The Reagan Foundation, a Utah non-profit corporation. The Reagan Family, which established the Reagan Foundation, are the founders and operators of the Reagan Companies, an out of home (OOH) advertising company that operates in Salt Lake City, Utah; Austin, Texas; and Las Vegas, Nevada. The scholarship was established to recognize the contributions of The Reagan Foundation to the OOH advertising industry. The Endowment is intended to help groom a new generation of leaders and managers in understanding the standardized OOH advertising industry, primarily in the area of billboards. The two students will share a $5,000 scholarship.
Megan Ramos, from Carrolton, TX, is seeking an M.S. in Community and Regional Planning and a Masters of Public Affairs at the University of Texas in Austin, TX. She earned a B.A. from the University of Texas in Austin, TX with a dual major in Urban Studies and Sustainability Studies. Through the graduate program at the University of Texas, Megan hopes to “equip myself with the skills needed to become a city planner or local elected official.” She said her goal is to “create urban spaces that prioritize environmental well-being, accessibility, affordability, walkability, and community engagement.” She has worked with various communities in Austin on a range of planning issues. As an undergraduate, she developed an anti-littering advertising campaign that featured displays on campus buses and digital advertising on social media. “This experience gave me practical exposure to audience-targeted messaging, public campaign design, and the integration of physical and digital advertising strategies,” she said.
Claire Peterson, from Salt Lake City, UT, is seeking an M.S. in City and Metropolitan Planning at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT. She also earned a B.S. in Urban Ecology at the University of Utah. Claire plans to pursue a career in long-range urban planning because of its use of data analytics to predict future growth patterns. Prior to beginning her college studies, Claire’s aspirations were someday to become a professional ballerina. She believes that her ballet training has prepared her for the urban planning field. “I soon started identifying similarities between ballet and city planning,” she said, “helping me to understand why I was so drawn to the discipline. For example, both fields have a movement aspect, where ballet requires dancers to flow through steps and city planning facilitates the flow of people and goods. Similarly, staging a ballet mimics how planning distributes amenities throughout a city.” This background offers her an atypical perspective on urban planning, she said, enabling her to view a city as a piece of art, she said. “I can understand complex urban issues and offer creative solutions that someone who is less well-versed in the arts could not imagine,” she added.
Published: November 13, 2026