PEABODY – Two regional sports and recreation leaders, Endicott College and the YMCA of Metro North, are teaming up to offer sport management students hands-on learning experiences in sports and recreation management.
The YMCA of Metro North will provide paid internships, job shadowing, and mentorship to students in Endicott’s Sport Management Program in addition to job placement assistance through its network of 793 YMCAs across the country. Students will also have the opportunity to work on special projects to add to their professional portfolio while pursuing their degrees and accreditations.
“Getting young people a head start in their careers has been a hallmark of the Y for decades. We’re excited to partner with Endicott to offer students hands-on, practical management and programming experience in our Metro North locations,” says Kathleen Walsh, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro North.
The YMCA of Metro North employs 600 people in the region with more than 200 seasonal staff in their summer camp programs. The Y is often a place where young people get their first job experience and have career and professional advancement opportunities.
Endicott College is a pioneer in requiring comprehensive internship experiences in every program of study for undergraduate students.
“Endicott’s Internship Program has just been elevated to new heights, not only will our students have access to increased experiential learning opportunities, they will dive into projects alongside industry professionals. Our Sport Management Students will engage with YMCA professionals through class lectures and virtual meetings creating a transformational learning environment,” says Dr. Dina Gentile, Professor of Sport Management.
“These students get the chance to gain some professional experience from the Y. What we get is the benefit of their innovative ideas, new thinking, and enthusiasm to apply to our practices and programs as well. That’s a win-win in my book,” says Walsh.
