The Missouri State University Ad Team will once again take part in the Invent2Prevent (I2P) competition. This competition was created to counter the threat of domestic terrorism and targeted violence through preventative student-led campaigns.
In 2021, the Ad Team took home second place in the national competition. Following its success, Missouri State University received a $645,776 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to expand its efforts to prevent radicalization.
“The Ad Team proudly represents Missouri State while working with the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships to develop a project to prevent domestic terrorism and targeted violence,” said Missouri State President Clif Smart.
“They have been very successful in the past and have made a name for our university in this impactful program.”
About the competition
Teams from across the country will research, implement and present their own approaches to the prevention of targeted violence and domestic terrorism. Finalists will present their campaigns in Washington, D.C. to DHS.
The program is possible through a collaboration between the Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships, EdVenture Partners (EVP) and The McCain Institute.
The Ad Team will work closely with EVP, which connects educational institutions and business professionals to tackle social projects.
“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships is delighted the MSU Ad Team has elected to participate in I2P once again,” said EVP Chief Executive Officer Tony Sgro.
“Given the increased threat of targeted violence and hate in our schools and communities, I’m eager to see how this year’s Ad Team students rise to the I2P challenge this semester.”
About the Ad Team
Missouri State’s Ad Team is an upper-level experiential course intended to provide students with hands-on experience in the marketing profession. The team has been active for over 20 years and has 12 championship titles.
Ad Team instructor Samantha Francka leads the team.
Current members include:
- Lilly Churan, Chillicothe, MO.
- Adrian Fruge, Springfield, MO.
- Chandler Revie, Springfield, MO.
- Matthew Richner, Warrensburg, MO.