Indianapolis, Indiana – In an ambitious move to strengthen Indiana’s sports and events industry, the University of Indianapolis (UIndy) and Indiana Sports Corp (ISC) have announced a new partnership aimed at creating hands-on opportunities for students while supporting the growth of the state’s sports ecosystem. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to developing the next generation of professionals who will drive innovation and excellence in sports management and event operations across Indiana and beyond.
At the heart of this partnership is a talent pipeline that connects UIndy students directly with one of the nation’s leading sports organizations. Each year, two UIndy students are guaranteed internships with Indiana Sports Corp, providing immersive, real-world experience in planning and executing major sporting events. Beyond internships, students can also engage in volunteer opportunities, networking events, and professional development activities designed to enhance skills across multiple disciplines.
“Today’s college students are the key to unlocking Indiana’s potential as a leader in sports in the future,” said Isabell Mills, director of UIndy’s sport management program. “By working directly with Indiana Sports Corp, students gain a wealth of experience planning and executing world-class events and building professional skills. By training the next generation of industry leaders, this partnership positions Indiana to be a hub of sports innovation and excellence for decades to come.”
While the partnership directly supports UIndy’s sport management program, it also extends to students across a wide array of disciplines. Those studying exercise science, analytics, communication, business, and human resources can all find ways to apply their skills to the sports and events industry. Through internships and volunteering, students can gain hands-on experience while earning digital badges that highlight their accomplishments, enhancing both resumes and professional profiles. These microcredentials are increasingly valued in today’s competitive workforce, providing tangible proof of a student’s practical skills and professional readiness.
“This collaboration builds a true talent pipeline,” said Jessica Sremanak, director of employer engagement at UIndy. “It opens doors for students across a number of majors and degree fields to gain meaningful experience, network with industry professionals and position themselves for a fulfilling career. These skills and credentials will help set them apart in a competitive workforce.”
Indiana Sports Corp, the nation’s first sports commission, brings decades of experience and influence to the table. Since its founding in 1979, ISC has played a critical role in attracting and hosting more than 500 national and international sporting events, ranging from Super Bowl XLVI to the NBA All-Star 2024 and WNBA All-Star 2025, as well as eight NCAA Men’s Final Fours® and three NCAA Women’s Final Fours®, plus nearly two dozen Olympic Team Trials. These events have generated over $5 billion in direct spending, highlighting the economic and cultural significance of sports in Indiana.
The partnership aligns with ISC’s long-term 2050 Vision, which seeks to position Indiana as the global epicenter of sports by the next quarter-century. By collaborating with UIndy, ISC gains access to a diverse pool of talented students, while students benefit from immersive experiences with one of the most accomplished sports organizations in the country.
“Indiana Sports Corp’s 2050 Vision aims to position the state as the global epicenter of sports in the next 25 years,” said Sarah Myer, ISC chief of staff & strategy. “Partnering with the University of Indianapolis helps us move much closer to that goal because we believe that if you want to work in the sports industry, the best place to study is in Indiana. This collaboration provides both valuable experiences for UIndy students and tremendous opportunities for sports organizations across Indiana.”
As part of the initiative, UIndy is expanding its approach to workforce development with a digital badging system. This platform allows students to earn recognition for their volunteer hours and event experience, creating a tangible record of skills that can be leveraged in future job searches. The system is part of a broader effort to align educational programs with industry needs, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for careers in sports management, event planning, and related fields.
The partnership also underscores the growing importance of interdisciplinary skills in the sports industry. Students can now combine knowledge in analytics, human resources, and communication with practical experience gained through ISC events, providing a holistic foundation for leadership roles in sports organizations. This approach ensures that graduates are not only capable of managing events but also able to navigate the complex business, marketing, and operational challenges of the modern sports landscape.
For students, the collaboration offers more than professional experience; it represents an opportunity to build lasting relationships with industry professionals. Networking opportunities, mentorship, and exposure to high-profile events all contribute to developing a generation of sports leaders who are both capable and connected. These experiences reinforce the value of experiential learning, highlighting how education and practice can intersect to create real-world impact.
As Indiana continues to cultivate its reputation as a destination for world-class sports, partnerships like this one between UIndy and ISC demonstrate the strategic importance of education in workforce development. By linking students directly to opportunities within a leading organization, the collaboration ensures that Indiana not only hosts major events but also develops the talent required to sustain and grow its sports ecosystem.
For those interested in learning more about the initiative or arranging interviews, UIndy’s Director of Public & Media Relations, Dan Klein, can be contacted at [email protected].
This partnership between the University of Indianapolis and Indiana Sports Corp is more than an internship program—it is a forward-looking strategy to shape the future of Indiana’s sports industry. By combining education, professional experience, and strategic vision, it offers a model for how universities and organizations can collaborate to prepare the next generation of sports leaders. With guaranteed internships, digital credentials, and hands-on experience with world-class events, UIndy students are poised to enter a competitive workforce with the skills, experience, and connections necessary to succeed and drive Indiana’s vision forward.
