PRESS RELEASES
ASI Awards Scholarship to Outstanding Promo Industry Intern
Winner Dylan Hench interned at All Sports Heroes
“The ASI Summer Internship Program is a vital initiative that not only educates the next generation about the promo industry but also equips them with essential skills for their careers” – said ASI CEO Timothy M. Andrews
The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI®)), the leading technology, marketing and information provider in the $26.1 billion promotional products industry, today announced it has awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Dylan Hench, a participant in the 2024 ASI Summer Internship Program. Hench interned with All Sports Heroes (asi/251475) in Lowell, MA.
Hench, a Massachusetts resident and recent graduate of Penn State University, was one of 90 interns in this year’s program, which included 12 interns who worked at ASI-listed supplier companies and 78 who interned with ASI distributors from throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Despite being new to both sales and the promo industry, Hench said the ASI internship provided a comprehensive understanding in a short time. “The program is insightful, yet designed in a way that prevents participants from feeling overwhelmed,” he said. “It was an excellent experience.”
The ASI Summer Internship Program, now in its eighth year, has successfully trained 1,899 interns from over 1,500 member companies. The program offers participants free access to the ESP® platform, a welcome kit filled with promotional items, an invitation to attend ASI Chicago, a webinar education series and an industry overview, as well as a certificate of completion.
“The ASI Summer Internship Program is a vital initiative that not only educates the next generation about the promo industry but also equips them with essential skills for their careers,” said Timothy M. Andrews, president and chief executive officer of ASI. “Dylan’s success highlights the program’s ability to equip interns with valuable skills and insights that set them up for future success.”
Hench said his internship experience significantly impacted his personal and professional growth. “The most significant takeaway from the internship was learning how to communicate assertively with new contacts,” Hench said. “This experience taught me the value of pausing, listening and engaging in a more respectful and open manner.”
ASI awards its annual scholarship based on an intern’s active participation and positive testimonials from intern program leaders.
Zoe Thompson, the 2023 ASI scholarship winner, said participating in the ASI training program “really opened my eyes to the world of promotional products.” Thompson described her intern experience in a day-in-the-life video about her time working for Liquid Screen Design (asi/254663).
The ASI Summer Internship Program, available to ASI-listed suppliers and distributors, runs from May to September each year. The ASI program is free to ASI members who hire one or more interns to work at their company. Hiring an intern helps companies gain brand advocates, get fresh ideas, enjoy an extra set of hands and create a talent pipeline for future hiring.
For more information about the 2025 ASI Summer Internship Program and how to participate, visit internprogramasi.com or email internshipprogram@asicentral.com.
