Isabel and her classmates are captivated with the notion of someday working for a television station.
A media exploration tour of The NFL Network was a step toward realizing that dream. Glover Cleveland High students got a peep behind the scenes of the NFL Network. Including a live broadcast of “Total Access.”
“I got much inspiration from this tour and plan pursue this as a career. Especially behind the scenes instead of in front of the camera,” said Isabel.
Stephen James, founder, CEO at Eyes Wide Open Foundation, organized the tour in collaboration with the Los Angeles Unified School District and NFL Network.
His aim is to propel high school students into sports media jobs, particularly students of color.
“It’s all about diversity, inclusion and getting kids exposure to this industry,” says Stephen.
Fifteen students engage network professions and discuss their own aspirations.
Among the NFL Network staff in attendance was Senior Manager Studio Environmental Health & Safety Linda DeYampert.
DeYampert explains how important this tour is for the students and the sports entertainment industry too.
“As a person of color I’m eager to see young people thinking outside the box. We need the their passion about sports,” says Linda.
Stephen worked at the NFL Network for more than six years and agrees with Linda. “It’s all about diversity, inclusion” and getting kids exposure to this industry. I took 8 months of planning and discussions with Linda before Stephen finally received an approval for the tour. Now they are discussing 6 more visits over the next year.
The impact of the tour was immediate. One student inquired about applying for an internship and employment.
Cleveland High senior Michael Duffy was impressed with how the NFL Network professions execute their jobs.
Michael’s most memorable take away was “how important it is to make your own opportunities and build relationships.”
