Sports Industry Academy

Spaces are limited and the deadline for the Sports Industry Academy Summer Program hosted at UC Santa Barbara is quickly approaching.

If you (or your students) are interested in exploring real pathways into the sports industry—beyond just playing the game—this is the opportunity.

Join us for a free informational webinar to learn more about how we’re connecting education, career pathways, and the $600B sports industry.

🗓 May 1, 2026
⏰ 12:00 – 1:00 PM (PST)

Come learn what the Sports Industry Academy is all about, what students will experience this summer, and how to get involved.

Register using the QR code or visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Gfpq51pMPUurNA3BtDurrHNLnvqPQX2IKNAL7Ablrss/edit

Deadline to register for the Informational is April 29, 2026

Year 12 is loading — and applications are officially open.

The Sports Industry Academy 2026 Summer Program returns to
📍 UC Santa Barbara
📅 July 12–17, 2026

Over 12 years, SIA has:
• Served 350+ scholars
• Achieved 80% acceptance to 4-year colleges
• Maintained a 100% transfer rate for CA Community College participants
• Supported alumni outcomes at UCLA, Stanford, San Diego State University, USC, UC Berkeley, CSU Channel Islands, Howard, Michigan, Oregon, and more
• Helped 40%+ of graduates secure roles in the sports industry

SIA succeeds by supporting college access and transfer pathways, offering early exposure to careers across the sports ecosystem, connecting students with industry leaders and mentors, and building a clear pipeline from aspiration to opportunity.

Apply Now: www.SportsIndustryAcademy.com

Exclusive Webinar for Students, Scholar-Athletes, Parents & Educators!

Join the Sports Industry Academy (SIA) on November 19, 2025 | 12–1 p.m. (PST) for a free informational webinar showcasing how SIA creates college and career pathways through the business of sports.

Designed for high school, California Community College & University students, parents, and administrators, this session highlights how SIA empowers students to pursue their passions while preparing for college and meaningful careers.

What You’ll Learn:
• How SIA develops academic, leadership, and career skills for diverse students.
• Career opportunities beyond athletics — including management, marketing, law, and entrepreneurship.
• How 100% of CCC scholars in SIA have successfully transferred to top universities.
• How the program aligns with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Vision 2030 for equitable student outcomes.

Empower your students to see sports with a new lens — beyond scores and highlights — and into the world of opportunity behind the game.

Register free at: https://forms.gle/aaoVxLnCiPYnMPct7, or on our website, www.SportsIndustryAcademy.com
You can also scan the QR code on the graphip. below.

Day 5 & 6 wrapped up SIA 2025 Summer program with power, purpose, and innovation.

Angela LaChica (CEO, LaChica Sports & Entertainment) shared how she’s used sports as a platform for social justice and national advocacy, drawing on 25+ years of building impactful campaigns and partnerships across leagues and nonprofits.

Ivan Hudson, MBA (Sr. Coordinator, Digital Partnerships, Chicago Bulls)gave scholars an inside look at how the Chicago Bulls drive digital sponsorships and brand partnerships that connect fans and fuel the business

Gerard Vargas (CEO, Legacy Mastery Academy )closed the week with an inspiring message on leadership, mindset, and legacy — pushing scholars to think beyond careers toward real impact.

Scholar presentations showcased innovative concepts for new AI-driven sports companies and products, blending strategy, creativity, and purpose. Infinite possibilities ahead.

Stay tuned for more SIA programming and the dates for the 2026 Sports Industry Academy Summer program at UC Santa Barbara.

Day 4 – Inside Wasserman

This was a day our scholars won’t forget! We traveled to L.A. for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes visit at Wasserman, one of the world’s leading sports and entertainment agencies.

Our hosts — Alanna Hernandez, Alexa Rios, and Delaney McNulty — gave scholars an inside look at athlete representation, contracts, and brand partnerships. Later, Joshua Michael Beauregard-Bell joined to share his journey as an NBA agent and how to break into the business.

A special thanks to the Wasserman family for continuing to support Sports Industry Academy

Day 3 of SIA 2025 brought lessons in both communications and service. Scholars explored how media strategy and civic leadership shape careers, and how their own voices can drive change in sports.

Kristen Keller, (Associate Athletic Director, USC Trojans Athletics) pulled back the curtain on sports communications, branding, NIL, and media relations. From student-athlete to award-winning communicator, Kristen showed scholars how to use digital strategy and storytelling to elevate organizations and careers.

Morris Thomas (Manager, Public Affairs ) brought a powerful reminder that sports can drive equity and social change. He challenged students to see their backgrounds as assets and their voices as tools to shape communities.

Scholar Spotlight

Our 2025 Sports Industry Academy scholars share how the program shaped their journeys. Here’s what one had to say…

Day 2: Academics x Innovation x Sports

Day 2 was about balancing academic excellence with innovation in sports.

Walter Boggan (Founder, 5th & Lemon/Sports Industry Academy) opened with the 5 P’s of Success, connecting classroom achievement to opportunities in the business of sports.

LaDonte King (VP, Launch Student Success) equipped scholars with tools to thrive academically and build confidence for the week ahead.

Brandon 'bj' James (CEO, C2R Productions)brought it home with insights on new media, entrepreneurship, and AI in sports …even guiding students to create their own company as their final cohort presentations.

A day of purpose, preparation, and storytelling

Our scholars in action…

From workshops to team projects, every moment at the Sports Industry Academy summer program was about growth, connection, and owning their future.

Proud of the work, energy, and possibilities.