#USA #Washington #AAF #Rocket Mortgage #NSAC

Rocket Mortgage Partners with AAF for Student Advertising Competition

The American Advertising Federation (AAF), known as the 'Unifying Voice for Advertising,' has made an exciting announcement: Rocket Mortgage is set to be the presenting sponsor for the upcoming National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) for the years 2026-2027. This partnership underscores Rocket Mortgage’s commitment to shaping the future of the advertising industry by investing in the next generation of marketing professionals.

The NSAC, a time-honored tradition that has been in place for over five decades, offers college students from more than 100 institutions the unique opportunity to craft real-world advertising campaigns for actual corporate clients. Previous sponsors of this competition have included big names such as AT&T, Coca-Cola, the NFL, Pizza Hut, Tide, and Toyota. It is expected that this year, eight finalist teams will have the chance to compete in the national championship taking place during AAF's ADMERICA conference in Anaheim, California, from June 3-6, 2027.

Dawn Reeves, Executive Vice President of Member Services and Programs at AAF, shared her enthusiasm for this collaboration, stating, 'There’s no better way to learn how to pitch for new business than by developing a campaign for a genuine client.' During the NSAC, student teams are issued a campaign brief that requires them to engage in ideation, research, strategic planning, and the creation of advertising assets. The challenge culminates in presentations to a panel of judges, including industry professionals, representatives from Rocket Mortgage, and members of their agency partners.

Jonathan Mildenhall, Chief Marketing Officer of Rocket Companies, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, 'Supporting NSAC isn’t just charity; it’s an investment in the future of our industry.' He notes that the competition is crucial for developing the next wave of marketing leaders and that Rocket seeks to connect with these emerging talents, offering them incentives to build their careers within the company.

Each chapter of AAF's collegiate network is eligible to form a team, with all participating students required to be dues-paying members of the AAF College Chapter. The competition unfolds over three tiers, starting at the district level, where teams compete either in-person or virtually. Winners from these preliminary rounds move to the semi-finals, aiming to secure one of eight coveted spots in the finals competition.

The 2025 winner was Texas State University, while the University of Oregon clinched the title in 2024, impressing judges with their campaign for the NFL. The NSAC serves not just as a competition but as a platform where students can showcase their talent, creativity, and potential as future leaders in marketing.

Rocket Mortgage, headquartered in Detroit, stands out as the nation’s top mortgage lender, part of Rocket Companies, and is recognized for its innovative digital-home financing solutions. Since its inception in 1985, the company has processed over $2 trillion in mortgage transactions across all 50 states. With a stellar reputation, Rocket Mortgage has been ranked first in client satisfaction for primary mortgage origination and servicing 23 times, highlighting its dedication to customer care.

This partnership with the AAF reinforces Rocket’s vision of a future driven by top-tier talent and innovative marketing strategies. Students are encouraged to visit the AAF's website for further details about the National Student Advertising Competition and the valuable experiences it offers. As we move closer to the competition, all eyes will undoubtedly be on these bright marketing minds ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

For more information about Rocket Mortgage and the AAF, visit RocketCompanies.com and AAF.org/nsac.