Are you a first- or second-year Ohio State student interested in a career in sports but unsure where to start?

The Sports & Society Institute is excited to launch the SSI Foundations Cohort, a new year-long professional development experience designed to help students explore sports careers, build meaningful connections and learn how to take advantage of the many opportunities available at Ohio State and beyond.

The Foundations Cohort is designed for students who are curious about careers in athletics, sports media, communications, analytics, events, research, business, community engagement and other areas of the sports industry. Through a combination of networking, mentorship, career readiness programming and exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences, students will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to begin building a successful career pathway.

What Is the Foundations Cohort?

The Foundations Cohort is a selective group of students who will participate in a structured series of experiences throughout the academic year. The program will connect students with industry professionals, alumni, faculty, athletics staff and peer mentors while helping them develop professional skills and explore career options.

Students selected for the cohort will become part of a community of peers who share a passion for sports and a commitment to professional growth.

Cohort Activities

Participants will engage in a variety of experiences throughout the year, including:

• Foundations Cohort Orientation
• Monthly Cohort Meetings
• Ohio State Athletics Office Visits
• Alumni Coffee Chats
• "How to Get Your First Sports Internship" workshop
• Career readiness programming
• Networking opportunities with faculty, alumni and industry professionals
• Attendance at select Sports & Society Initiative events
• SSI Cohort Recognition Gathering

In addition, cohort members will have access to:

• Peer mentorship from experienced SSI student leaders
• Professional development resources
• Resume and LinkedIn support
• Career exploration opportunities
• A dedicated SSI cohort community

Competitive Application Process

The Foundations Cohort is intended to be a high-engagement experience, and participation will be limited.

For the inaugural year, approximately 30 students will be selected through a competitive application process.

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

• Interest in sports-related careers
• Commitment to professional growth
• Willingness to engage with the cohort community
• Potential to contribute to and benefit from the program

Students from all majors are encouraged to apply.

Participation Expectations

Students selected for the Foundations Cohort are expected to make a meaningful commitment to the program throughout the academic year.

Participants will be asked to:

• Attend cohort meetings and activities
• Participate in networking and professional development opportunities
• Engage with peer mentors and fellow cohort members
• Actively contribute to the cohort community
• Represent the Sports & Society Initiative professionally

Because space is limited, students should apply only if they are prepared to engage consistently throughout the year.

Who Should Apply?

The Foundations Cohort is ideal for first- and second-year students who:

• Are interested in pursuing a career in sports
• Want to learn more about the sports industry
• Are looking to build professional connections
• Want guidance on finding opportunities at Ohio State
• Are eager to become part of a supportive community of future sports professionals

Whether your interests are in athletics, journalism, broadcasting, communications, business, analytics, research, law, event management or another area of sports, the Foundations Cohort can help you begin building your path.

Apply Today

Applications for the inaugural SSI Foundations Cohort are now open.

Students interested in joining this unique opportunity are encouraged to apply early. Selected students will be notified prior to the start of the academic year and invited to participate in the cohort orientation.

Application Deadline: Aug. 30, 2026

Apply Here: https://go.osu.edu/ssi_cohort2026

Questions may be directed to the Sports & Society Initiative.

Join us as we build the next generation of leaders in sports.