#United States #Baltimore #Oak View Group #Ascend #DEI Program

Oak View Group Launches DEI Career Readiness Program: Ascend

On December 4, 2024, Oak View Group (OVG) announced an ambitious new initiative, the Ascend program, aimed at enhancing career readiness for underrepresented students in sports, entertainment, and hospitality sectors. This initiative comes as part of OVG’s broader commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), focusing on fostering meaningful career opportunities for students across various demographics.

The Ascend Program

The Ascend program introduces specialized tracks, each designed to cater to specific groups of students:

• - Ascend HBCU: Targeted at students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, providing the necessary tools and resources for successful careers.
• - Ascend HSI: Focused on students from Hispanic Serving Institutions.
• - Ascend Women: Dedicated to empowering women pursuing careers in the sports and entertainment fields.
• - Ascend Hospitality: Tailored for underrepresented groups looking to enter the hospitality industry.
• - Ascend Backstage: Designed for students interested in venue management.

With this broad framework, the Ascend program aims to provide skills training, mentorship opportunities, and real-world experience essential for navigating these competitive industries.

Event Launch

The program will officially kick off on December 13, 2024, with a unique Ascend Backstage and HBCU Night event at the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore. This event is set to provide 85 students from the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia regions a backstage pass into the world of venue operations.

Throughout the day, participating students will engage in panel discussions led by prominent industry figures, including the Baltimore Mayor and various leaders from OVG and respected local organizations. This portion of the event aims to create an enriching environment where students can gain insights on career development in sports and entertainment, specifically tailored for those from HBCUs.

As part of the evening festivities, students will enjoy a live performance of "Nick Cannon Presents MTV Wild 'N Out Live," allowing them to immerse themselves fully in the entertainment experience while networking with industry professionals.

Comprehensive Support and Training

In addition to the launch event, the Ascend program offers a comprehensive internship opportunity for selected students. Applications open on January 6, 2025, allowing students to secure paid internships within OVG’s diverse departments, spanning marketing, finance, HR, and communications.

Internships will feature:

• - Workshops: Focused on developing essential career readiness skills.
• - Mentorship: Each intern will be paired with an OVG leader to guide them through their career journey.
• - Capstone Project: Interns will collaborate on real-world challenges, fostering their problem-solving and strategic thinking abilities.

Dr. Debonair Oates-Primus, VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at OVG, believes that this initiative could revolutionize how talent pipelines are built and create pathways for students eager to enter the live entertainment industry.

A Commitment to Community and Diversity

Frank Remesch, SVP and General Manager of CFG Bank Arena, emphasized the importance of aligning the workforce's diversity with that of Baltimore's community, showcasing OVG’s dedication to promoting inclusion within the workplace. Partnerships with local organizations, including Fearless, a minority-owned digital services provider, further bolster this program, ensuring students receive invaluable insights and support.

Conclusion

The Ascend DE&I career readiness program signifies a pivotal step towards enhancing access and opportunity for underrepresented students in crucial industries. By equipping them with essential skills, mentorship, and real-world exposure, Oak View Group is not just opening doors but laying down a pathway for future success in the dynamic fields of sports, entertainment, and hospitality. For more information and updates, visit Oak View Group’s official website.