Preparing Our Future Sports Business Leaders
Sports Industry Academy - 2024
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The Sports Industry Academy, an Akili Project program, works closely with top sports executives, corporations and educational institutions in preparing our future sports industry leaders. From workshops to consulting services, the Sports Industry Academy democratizes the business of sports by providing the vehicle to introduce scholars from diverse backgrounds to the college admissions process as well as the plethora of opportunities in the $500+ billion dollar sports industry. The Sports Industry Academy is open to high school, community college and 4-year college/university scholars.
Our Partners
The Mission
The Sports Industry Academy (SIA) is a program under the Akili Project (TAX ID: 81-4304962), a 501C3 organization. SIA develops the academic, professional and life skills of scholars and scholar-athletes from diverse backgrounds through exposure to and preparation for college and the diverse career options in the sports industry.
Our Vision:
We envision a future where every scholar has equal access to transformative opportunities and exposure to career paths within the sports industry. We aspire to break down barriers, promote diversity and inclusion, and cultivate a community of driven individuals who will make a lasting impact on society through their knowledge, passion, and ethical values.
The field of sports management has traditionally been dominated by individuals from privileged backgrounds with limited opportunities for those from diverse backgrounds to gain access and succeed in executive positions. The Sports Industry Academy’s comprehensive program equips scholars from underserved high schools, California Community Colleges and universities with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel as sports executives. Through tailored mentorship, training, and hands-on experience, the Sports Industry Academy provides a foundation for the next generation of sports executives, ensuring a more diverse, inclusive, and innovative sports industry.
Please be on the lookout for new and exciting programs for 2025!
Sports Industry Academy - Year 10 is loading!!! July 21 - 26, 2024, University of California, Santa Barbara
The Sports Industry Academy Summer Program , hosted at UC Santa Barbara, provides an introduction to the $600 + billion sports industry to mature and highly talented California community college, high school and university scholars from diverse backgrounds. Prominent sports executives will guide scholars on the inner-workings of the sports industry.
Sports Industry Academy at a Glance
Started in 2015
Over 200 Scholars have participated in the Sports Industry Academy
·Overall, 80% of participants have been accepted to 4-year colleges or universities
100% of California Community College participants have transferred to a 4-year college or university
Scholars have graduated from some of the top college and universities, including, UCLA, Stanford, Michigan, Howard, CSU Channel Islands, CSU Sacramento, UC Santa Barbara, USC, UC Berkeley and the University of Oregon.
Over 40% of scholars that participated in the Sports Industry Academy and graduated from a university have secured a position in the sports industry
Testimonial
“I’ve known and worked with Walter Boggan for over 30 years. His passion for the business of sports and for education is incredible. It is truly a pleasure to be a part of the Sports Industry Academy and I look forward to sharing my experience and perspective with the Scholars.”
Damon Jones,
Vice President, Assistant G.M.
Los Angeles Dodgers Founding Advisor, Sports Industry Academy
Scholars with Josh Bell of Octagon Sports
SIA Scholar giving her presentation on her business plan to start her own sports agency.
Ed Maisonet of ESPN presenting to the scholars.
Scholars preparing to negotiate a multi-million dollar contract.
Some of the 2022 Squad!
SIA Scholar presenting his idea for a sports and entertainment agency.
“Our partnership with the Sports Industry Academy (SIA) here at Oxnard College has been amazing. Our students have shared with us the impact the summer program had on their career and educational planning. We have been fortunate to have the support of our College Foundation and Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS) to help us fund this great opportunity for our students to learn about preparing for college and the wide range/diverse career options in the sports industry. We look forward to our continued collaboration with SIA and to increasing our number of participants.”
“The Sports Industry Academy is extremely important because it gives students an opportunity to meet other passionate individuals who want to learn, network and see what it takes and more importantly they are asserting what it takes to be a professional in the world of sports.”