William “Bill” Sharp, retired founder and CEO of Sharp Advertising Inc., is well known in the advertising community as a diversity trailblazer, for his expertise and achievements in communications; his community involvement; and for his contributions to motivating minority youth. In 1967, he founded the industry's first experiential bootcamp, called the “Basic Ad Course,” an American Association of Advertising Agencies–sponsored program that prepared minorities for management roles in advertising.

The Bill Sharp Award for the Future of Advertising was created to award talent and passion for the pursuit of excellence in advertising, marketing, and media coupled with a demonstration of resilience, overcoming adversity in the industry and/or helping others do the same – this is the legacy of Bill Sharp.

The Bill Sharp Award recognizes excellence in marketing, advertising and media by awarding one (1) future leader a $3,500 grant.

Applications are scheduled to launch in 2021. Please continue to check in for updates.

Sponsored By: 
Wunderman Thompson, The Marcus Graham Project, 4A's and The Sharp Family

Bill Sharp’s advertising industry career began in the Civil Rights era of the late 1960’s. At that time black people were not expected to be viable competitors for management roles in the business of advertising.

After he "boot-strapped" his way into the advertising industry and became the first Black Group Copy Supervisor for JWT;  in partnership with the 4As; in 1967 he created the industry's first experiential boot camp - called "The Basic Ad Course".  It was designed to train blacks with talent and passion to compete for management roles in the advertising industry.

The Bill Sharp Award for the Future of Advertising was created to award talent and passion for excellence in advertising, marketing, and media coupled with a demonstration of resilience, overcoming adversity in the industry and/or helping others do the same – this is the legacy of Bill Sharp. 

The $3,500 financial award was designed to help further the career aspirations of up & coming industry leaders who embody the legacy of Bill Sharp.