Sports Partnerships: A Whole New Ball Game at UMKC

UMKC students make game-changing connections through partnerships

Kansas City is home to teams winning world championships and breaking historic ground. With the partnerships, UMKC students have unique access to the people who are part of these successes. Students will benefit from mentorship, educational programs, hands-on experience and financial support. The benefits provided by each partnership may be different, but they are all focused on the same thing: student success.

During the Fall 2023 semester, students in several UMKC organizations, including First Gen Roos, Professional Career Escalators and Men of Color, participated in leadership lunches and career shadowing featuring members of the Chiefs staff. Students have opportunities to learn from some of the best in their fields, whether it’s the director of player engagement, chief financial officer or the project director of construction. These programs are just the beginning of student opportunities at Arrowhead Stadium, with UMKC-exclusive internships and fellowships coming soon.

“Having an organization that is internationally known, like the Chiefs, reach out and show their support in our students’ career development is significant,” said Mako Miller (M.A. ‘13), director of UMKC Professional Career Escalators. “The Chiefs are providing long-term interaction, not just a one-off experience. It’s important for our students to see how the skills they’re learning can be utilized in various ways. Many of our students never considered working for a professional NFL team but through this experience, they can see how they need people involved in health care, marketing, human resources, engineering, communications and education.”

Career development and skills building aren’t the only benefits students get from these programs. The opportunity to network and learn how a successful person got to their position can be just as important for students.

"Opportunities like this don't exist everywhere and haven't always existed in higher education, and that's why we're so grateful for the Kansas City Chiefs' partnership. It’s a game-changer for the institution and our students overall,” said JaVon Hill (M.A. ‘20), director of the Men of Color Academy. “Our students are blessed to be part of this unique relationship that will open doors to unparalleled access and networks, serve as a direct launchpad for empowerment, spark inspiration and fuel innovation all at the same time. Kansas City truly is our classroom, and we appreciate the Chiefs organization for investing in our future leaders."

The Chiefs recognized that financial support is key to students achieving their best. The organization supports $15,000 in annual scholarships for UMKC students, along with $10,000 in student project funding.

Our decade-long partners, Sporting KC, have contributed to many students’ career development through internships. UMKC students have the first opportunity to apply for internships with Sporting KC. UMKC School of Law students in particular have had valuable experiences as legal interns, learning about sports law in the Soccer Capital of America.