DALLAS, Texas – Four Western Kentucky University students have been selected to participate in Conference USA's inaugural Stars of Tomorrow program at the CUSA Basketball Tournament in Huntsville, Ala., next month.
Byron Tate (Construction Management), Gracie Scrogham (Strategic Marketing/Graphic Design), Jenna Wells (Accounting/Data Analytics) and Adam Williams (Social Work) will all participate in the exclusive initiative that combines sports and career development for a unique opportunity to engage with industry professionals and explore exciting career opportunities in Huntsville.
"Congratulations to our four WKU students for being selected as participants in the Conference USA Stars of Tomorrow program," WKU Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Bud Fischer said. "This unique program offers our students an important opportunity for career development through networking with industry professionals in the Huntsville community."
The program will cover the travel and accommodation expenses for students from each of the league's 10 member institutions. During their visit, students will have the chance to explore job opportunities within the Huntsville corporate community, with a full day dedicated to connecting with employers in their field of interest.
"Huntsville has so much opportunity and provides a great quality of life that we are excited to showcase," said Huntsville Sports Commission Executive Director Mark Russell. "This is a tremendous opportunity for our city to partner with CUSA schools to build new relationships, develop deeper ties within our community, and create a lasting legacy from the tournament."
"The partnership with CUSA goes beyond the court, and the Stars of Tomorrow program enables us to tell the Huntsville story in a different way," said Huntsville/Madison County CVB Sports Development Manager Joel Lamp. "Thanks to our friends at the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce, we are able to introduce our city to all of these students with an immersive program that lets them see why this is a great city to live, work and play."
This innovative will give students firsthand experience and valuable connections within the local business community. As part of the program, students will also have the chance to witness the high-energy atmosphere of championship basketball while learning about the growing job market in the region.
"We are excited for this incredible opportunity that combines the thrill of championship basketball with real-world career development," said CUSA Commissioner Judy MacLeod. "Conference USA is committed to supporting the success of the next generation, and this initiative will help current students match their passion, talent and hard work with potential employers."
With Huntsville's rapid economic growth and increasing demand for talent, the Stars of Tomorrow program aims to help meet the needs of local employers and push forward the city's economic development by bringing in top talent. Participating companies will engage with select students from each of the league's schools, paying a fee to participate in this exclusive event.
"Huntsville is excited to welcome CUSA students and recent graduates with the Stars of Tomorrow program to explore local career opportunities and experience the vibrant, diverse community that defines the Rocket City," said Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce Director of Talent initiatives Annie Davis. "As these students take the next steps in their careers, we want to ensure that they consider Huntsville as a promising start."
In addition to career-building opportunities, the students will be honored at halftime during the basketball games as the Stars of the Game, recognizing their academic achievements and hard work in the classroom. The students will also be interviewed live on ESPN+ during the game, further showcasing their talents and accomplishments to a national audience.
The Stars of Tomorrow program exemplifies the commitment of Conference USA to provide students with invaluable career development experiences while simultaneously highlighting the incredible opportunities available in Huntsville.
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