Students graduating from portfolio programs amid a deeply troubled job market are leaving asking whether it's worth the investment. It's exacerbated by the pandemic, of course, but it's hardly a new debate, and it has already spurred the creation of alternatives to pricey multi-year programs like Denver Ad School, which opened last year and bills itself as a cheaper, quicker path. Students themselves have also created alternatives, including Carriage House, a student-founded and run creative co-op that provides creative services to local businesses and nonprofits—and providing students formal experience in lieu of traditional internships.

Choosing the right path: The value of ad school depends on what students make of it, and agencies are beginning to accept that the degree itself may not be the best indicator of performance.

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In a new Voice piece, VMLY&R global chief strategy officer Yusuf Chuku addresses the structural issues behind the persistent lack of Black representation at agencies, especially in positions of leadership. The solution can't just be words and charitable gestures, Chuku says. "It’s going to involve some uncomfortable conversations, the learning of some hard truths and getting used to some new faces in the C-suite," he writes.

Rethinking the problem: "The relearning of American history needs to be focused on why 'we the people' has never really included all the people."

• Related: This year's 13 Marcus Graham Project fellows, who represent many multicultural communities, have launched Afternoon agency, a 10-week popup that will work with several notable brands to craft social media strategy, web design and more.

Travel: The U.S. gained 2.5 million jobs in May, almost half of which were in the leisure and hospitality industry. Overall employment rates in the industry are still historically low, but the lift reflects hotel brands and airlines seeing summer occupancy and flights increasing more quickly than expected. And although Booking.com has seen steep decreases in new room bookings, it's responding to an uptick in activity from "dreamers," or people scoping out vacations but not committing to booking a room yet, with promotions to keep users looking.

Restaurants: Eateries face a challenging future in the post-lockdown world, and many are shifting their architectural design to attract customers and make them feel safe. For social distancing measures, that means incorporating more flexible dining rooms and expanded patios. Meanwhile, chains like Torchy’s Tacos and Barcelona Wine Bar are customizing locations to align with the cultural identity of their locations, making them feel more like local spots.

Sports: The TV ad sales marketplace has been reeling, but the return of live sports is on the horizon, and advertisers and viewers are eager to get back in the game. While the outlook (and ad sales) for college football and other sports leagues is still uncertain, the NFL has created flexible schedule options, allowing for the entire season to be moved back or for some early weeks to be scrapped, and advertisers and rights holders are confident that all or most of the season will be played.

More than 200 communities representing an alleged 200 million users on Reddit signed an open letter to CEO Steve Huffman making it clear that they oppose racism on the platform and pushing for a series of reforms to address racist behavior. Currently, it's mostly up to volunteer moderators to set standards for individual subreddits, but the letter asks for sitewide policies against racism, including banning hateful communities and users and hiring more women and minorities.

Pressure mounts: The move follows co-founder and executive chairman Alexis Ohanian resigning Friday so a Black candidate could take his place, and former CEO Ellen Pao criticized the site for hypocrisy.

More of Today's Top News and Highlights

• D&AD CEO Departs as a Result of Cost-Cutting Measures
• Roku and Kroger Partner on Data Play for CPG Advertisers
• Adweek Together: The Future of Agencies
• Potbelly Sandwich Shop Hires Restructuring Adviser as It Looks to Reorganize
• Bon Appétit Editor in Chief Resigns After 'Brownface' Photo Surfaces and Allegations of Discrimination Mount

In the latest video in our How S#it Works series, we talk with Erik Requidan, founder and CEO of Media Tradecraft. Requidan explains how the cookie works, how we got here, and what the world will look like as web browsers eliminate them.

In the absence of Cannes Lions 2020, Adweek invites you to join Adweek @ Home. In four days we will gather the most influential marketing and creative voices for thought leadership. We’ll come together virtually for salons and social forums to tackle storytelling and brand marketing in a post-pandemic world, and to celebrate the year’s most remarkable work. View the schedule and RSVP today. Presented by IBM, Mavrck and PubMatic

"This year, our internship isn't about client work or agency life. It's about improving your portfolio to help you get a job."

— Heather Apple, associate creative director at Swift

"We’re being deliberate with the execution of training opportunities, while prioritizing instances where interns can gain exposure to the organic nature of the development process."

— Ned Show, CEO at Chemistry

"Moving to virtual internships has tasked us with creating more structure.… Each week has a different focus, and the learnings and exercises come from a variety of leaders and challenges, giving us a fresh way to approach learning about strategy."

— Michelle Miller, director of people and culture at Madwell

Among the perks offered recruits: a college education.

Two Rising Star Black creatives share how they're coping and forging ahead.

Bluebird Botanicals admits CBD doesn't always work.

DTC mattress brand continues rapid growth as consumers upgrade their homes.

'Lucha vs. El Virus' was created to fill a gap and reach a group highly affected by the virus.