By Zachary Baru
College-bound students looking to enter the world of sports business just received a new opportunity to jump-start their careers, thanks to a new academic partnership between the Kraft Sports Group and Dean College.
The Kraft Sports Group announced plans last week to partner with Dean College to create The Center for Business, Entertainment and Sport Management, along with a new scholarship program and the introduction of an internship program giving students a hands-on experience within the Kraft Sports Group.
The Kraft Sports Group's holdings include the New England Patriots, New England Revolution, Patriot Place, Gillette Stadium and The Hall at Patriot Place. The Kraft Sports Group is under the umbrella of The Kraft Group, a holding company with assets in paper and packaging, sports and entertainment, real estate, and private equity, in addition to philanthropic initiatives including the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation.
This new academic partnership will bring students looking to enter a career in business a chance to work with Patriots and Revolution executives and the ability to use Gillette Stadium as a laboratory for learning. Additionally, student-athletes at Dean College will be given access to training facilities through the Patriots and Revolution organizations.
Regionally, sports organizations will benefit from the program by increasing the number of home-grown talent in the Boston area. As the sport management major continues to grow in colleges nationwide, it is becoming more important for regional colleges to keep local talent here in New England.
This is an exciting time for all business students at Dean College, who will be given the opportunity to receive a true hands-on education from leaders in the sports business industry.
Sources: Dean College, The Kraft Group, Forbes
Zach Baru can be followed @zbaru and reached at zachbaru@gmail.com.
