Where Industry Shapes the Future of Communication, Media and Data
At the University of South Carolina College of Information and Communications, corporate partnership is more than visibility — it’s a high-value, strategic relationship. Our program offers tiered opportunities for organizations to engage with students, co-create meaningful experiences, and strengthen their brand as a leader in the rapidly evolving fields of journalism, advertising, PR, media, data and information science.
Corporate Engagement is a Win-Win
We help students become workforce-ready while:
- Influencing real-world student learning.
- Elevating your brand on campus.
- Accessing top-tier student talent through recruiting interns and full-time hires.
- Staying connected to the next generation of consumers and innovators.
Corporate Partnership Levels
- Platinum Partner: $25,000+
- Dean Partner: $15,000+
- Leadership Partner: $10,000+
- Garnet Partner: $5,000+
Multiyear sponsorships are also available.
Engage
Build meaningful relationships with CIC students and faculty. As a corporate partner, you’ll gain direct access to classroom experiences, networking events, and strategic collaborations that reflect your organization’s mission and culture.
Strong partnerships create shared value — when CIC and our industry partners work together, companies tap into a pipeline of career-ready talent, fresh perspectives from innovative research, and the chance to help shape future leaders in communications and information fields.
Corporate partners also strengthen the student experience by supporting excellence in our programs and ensuring our graduates are prepared to make an immediate impact in today’s competitive marketplace.
Recruit
Gain early access to a pipeline of career-ready students through career fairs, on-campus interviews, and curated recruiting days. Our students are prepared across journalism, public relations, advertising, media arts, information science, and data analytics — bringing the skills and adaptability today’s workforce demands.
By working closely with our corporate partners, we ensure students graduate with both academic knowledge and practical, real-world experience.
This collaboration gives employers multiple opportunities to connect with top talent, build relationships early, and fill critical roles with graduates who are prepared to lead and contribute from day one. Learn more »
Innovate
Partner with CIC faculty and student-run labs on real-world projects that span AI, audience engagement, brand strategy, and digital storytelling. Collaborate with student teams to test campaigns, explore consumer insights, and pilot fresh ideas that connect with Gen Z audiences.
These partnerships give companies the chance to experiment in a dynamic learning environment, while students gain practical experience and industry perspective.
From national brands to small businesses and nonprofits, organizations benefit from access to our award-winning student-run agencies in advertising, PR, social media, AI, and video production — creating a powerful exchange of ideas that fuels innovation on both sides.
Sponsor
Support CIC events, programs, and student initiatives through sponsorships that deliver brand exposure, thought leadership, and alignment with our mission to develop ethical, agile, and creative communicators. Sponsorship opportunities are customized to showcase your organization’s expertise while creating meaningful touchpoints with students, faculty, and industry leaders.
From high-visibility events to signature programs, corporate sponsors gain valuable recognition and access to unique collaborations that foster innovation, elevate student success, and drive mutual impact.
Elevate your brand while supporting CIC programs and events. Sponsorships create visibility, showcase thought leadership, and provide direct connections with students, faculty, and industry leaders.
For more information, contact:
Carol Kirkland
Lead, Corporate Engagement and External Relations
CK52@mailbox.sc.edu
803-777-5762
