This summer, KR Scholars welcomed 20 Richmond-area high school students to The HBCU Bridge™ Summer Edition—an immersive six-week experience designed to prepare students for success in college, careers and life.
Throughout the program, scholars participated in HBCU awareness activities, financial education, professional development, scholarship preparation and career exploration. Each week gave students an opportunity to build new skills, meet professionals and envision what is possible for their futures.
One of the summer’s standout experiences was a behind-the-scenes tour and career panel with the Richmond Flying Squirrels.
Exploring Careers Beyond the Field
For many young people, working in professional sports may immediately bring athletes, coaches or broadcasters to mind. During their visit, HBCU Bridge scholars learned that a professional sports organization depends on talented people working across marketing, communications, community engagement, ticket sales, event operations, finance and many other areas.
The experience gave students a closer look at the work that takes place behind the scenes to create a successful organization and an exciting experience for fans. Scholars toured the ballpark, enjoyed lunch and participated in a career panel featuring professionals from the Richmond Flying Squirrels organization.
Panelists shared their career journeys, discussed the skills needed to succeed in the sports industry and encouraged students to remain open to opportunities that may not follow a traditional path. Scholars also had the opportunity to ask questions and learn how interests in business, communications, technology, hospitality and community service can lead to careers in professional sports.
Turning Exposure Into Possibility
Career exposure is an important part of The HBCU Bridge because students cannot pursue opportunities they have never had the chance to see.
Experiences like the Flying Squirrels tour help scholars connect what they may study in college to real careers in their community. They also allow students to practice professional introductions, engage with working professionals and imagine themselves succeeding in new industries.
The Flying Squirrels experience was one of several opportunities offered during the Summer Edition. Scholars also explored the campus of Virginia Union University, strengthened their financial knowledge with Truist, practiced networking and professional communication, learned strategies for earning scholarships and prepared for their next steps after high school.
Each experience supported the same goal: helping students become more informed, confident and prepared as they pursue college and career success.
Building the Bridge to the Future
The HBCU Bridge™ is about more than introducing students to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. It is about connecting students to the knowledge, people and experiences that can help them make confident decisions about their futures.
We are grateful to the Richmond Flying Squirrels for opening their doors, sharing their professional experiences and helping our scholars see that there is a place for them in the business of sports—and wherever else their interests may lead.
Another week. Another experience. Another step toward college and career success.