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NFL Hosts HBCU Careers in Football Forum
A total of 95 students from Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) will participate in the fourth annual NFL Careers in Football Forum, alongside the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta, Ga., Dec. 19-21.
"Each year, the NFL Careers in Football Forum brings together talented, bright minds to learn and explore the potential for opportunities in professional football," said Natara Holloway, Vice President of Football Strategy and Business Development. "This program is one of the most important ways we engage with the HBCU community and helps to grow a more diverse and inclusive workforce across the league."
Hosted annually with ESPN, the Careers in Football Forum provides professional development and networking opportunities for HBCU students. Students from participating institutions have the opportunity to engage with league and club executives and learn about career opportunities across the sports industry with a focus on football. Participants also learn the skills needed to find a job and can have the league assist them in becoming strong candidates for open positions.
Participants will also compete in a group case study competition. The competition will require groups of students to present on topics chosen by the NFL. Each group will present its case study to a panel of NFL and club executives. The first- and second-place winners will be recognized during a dinner reception held at the College Football Hall of Fame. Select participants will win the opportunity to complete an NFL Experienceship at the 2020 Pro Bowl in Orlando, Fl., and Super Bowl LIV in Miami, Fl. The NFL Experienceship program aims to connect, develop and provide diverse collegiate and professional participants with opportunities to learn about the business of sports through practical hands-on learning experiences at NFL events, partnership opportunities and research projects.
Since 2016, the NFL Careers in Football Forum has introduced more than 270 students and entry-level athletic department administrators to career opportunities in professional football through collaboration with all four HBCU athletic conferences in tandem with the Celebration Bowl.
NFL Football Operations’ mission is to establish a culture of clarity, consistency and credibility in all aspects of the greatest game. Football is an essential piece of America’s fabric, uniting fans, players and communities with a simple yet powerful bond. We honor the game’s history while continuing to innovate and preserve the sport for future generations of fans, players, coaches, teams and officials.
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