Mission

The education program provides high school students of diverse backgrounds with the access and opportunity they need to build enriching careers in the advertising industry. We are committed to establishing a foundation of strategy, concept and craft as it applies to insightfully solving brand challenges. With this use of unique creative ideas and interdisciplinary skills, we forge pathways toward industry engagement, professional mentorship,​ agency internships and overall 

History

In 2008, the 4A’s partnered with the New York City Department of Education to form the first four-year high school in the country exclusively dedicated to preparing students for careers in the advertising and media industry. The High School for Innovation in Advertising and Media (iAM), located in Brooklyn, is a fully accredited public ​high school,
​ as recognized by the City and State of New York in 2012.
 
Upon receiving certification for this flagship school, the 4A’s partnered with the City University of New York in 2014 to launch the first P-Tech high school of its kind. The Manhattan Early College School for Advertising (MECA) is a six-year career and technical education high school that not only gives students access to explore careers in advertising, media and creative technology, but also offers students a free Associate Degree upon completion of the program.
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In addition to building advertising knowledge, the curriculum includes soft skills, ​such as presenting and storytelling.

High School For Innovation ​In Advertising And Media (iAM)

The mission of the High School for Innovation in Advertising and Media is to provide academic and career competencies that will transform students into competitive candidates in advertising and media. The school, providing a rigorous and real-world, experience-based environment, will empower students to make well-informed decisions about their educational and professional futures.
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The High School for Innovation in Advertising and Media is part of a select group of Career and Technical Education (CTE) schools that blend rigorous academics with real-life work skills. New York City made ​CTE programs a citywide priority in 2008, in an effort to boost student achievement. iAM gives students a head start ​into the industry with classes that integrate educational curriculum with real life skills for the future.  

Manhattan Early College School ​For Advertising (MECA)

MECA The Manhattan Early College School for Advertising provides access for students to an excellent education and the support necessary to succeed in high school, college, and career. Building on the life experiences of our students and their families, we are committed to empowering them to continually grow in scholarship, empathy, responsibility, and creativity. We do this so that all of our graduates have the ability and commitment to embrace lives of learning and to contribute positively to the communities in which they live and work.

As part of its core values, MECA strives to demonstrate its commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, starting with curiosity and requiring research, reading, revision, and problem solving.  Members of the MECA community are encouraged to take ownership for their words, actions, and choices.  We strive to cultivate our ability to embrace the views, beliefs, and needs of others and while also embracing the creative process by committing to taking risks in personal and academic expression.

Educational Programs + Events