A polymerization process to copolymerize hydrophobic ethylenically unsaturated C4-C30. J olefins with polar monomers such as acrylates is described. The process utilizes an acid source to modify/catalyze the reactivity of the polar monomer and/or radically activated repeat unit from the polar monomer to promote incorporation of the ethylenically unsaturated olefin. The copolymer shows excellent adhesion to a variety of polymeric and/or polar substrates such as polyolefins, acrylate coatings, wood, etc.