Underrepresented students deserve better career opportunities in sports and entertainment
- Oak View Group has launched the Ascend program to promote career readiness among underrepresented students.
- The program features specialized tracks for HBCU students, women, and those interested in venue management.
- The initiative aims to enhance diversity in the sports and entertainment industries and provide valuable career skills.
In a significant initiative to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, Oak View Group announced the launch of its Ascend program aimed at enhancing career readiness for students from underrepresented backgrounds. This launch was officially communicated on December 4, 2024, and is set against the backdrop of an upcoming event at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, where students will gain firsthand experience in the sports and entertainment sectors. The program includes specialized tracks designed to support students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), women pursuing careers in sports and entertainment, and students interested in venue management. The Ascend program offers a mix of career readiness resources such as workshops, mentorship opportunities, and internship placements. The launch event scheduled for December 13, 2024, will involve around 85 HBCU students from the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia regions. These students will have exclusive access to valuable insights through expert panels and networking mixers designed to connect them with industry leaders. This event reflects an ongoing commitment from Oak View Group to cultivate a talent pipeline that includes diverse perspectives, thus contributing to a more inclusive industry environment. Experts have praised the potential of this program to revolutionize how underrepresented students access opportunities within the entertainment industry. Dr. Debonair Oates-Primus, VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at OVG, emphasized its role in nurturing the skills necessary for student success, particularly in a dynamic field like live entertainment. The initiative also mirrors a wider trend acknowledging the importance of representation and mentorship for fostering racial diversity within the industry. The impact of initiatives like Ascend can be far-reaching, affecting not only individual students but also enriching the broader cultural landscape as these emerging professionals bring their unique backgrounds and experiences to the forefront. With its focus on equipping students from diverse backgrounds with essential skills and connections, the Ascend program is a promising development for the live entertainment sector. Oak View Group's investment in these young talents reflects a strategic move to enhance creativity and innovation within the industry while paving paths for the next generation of leaders. The emphasis on collaborative partnerships with organizations like Fearless Club speaks to a growing awareness of the need for support networks that empower young professionals from various backgrounds in their career journeys.