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Originally Posted On: https://studenteducationprograms.com/sports-broadcasting-summer-programs/
Summer Sports Broadcasting Programs for High School Students
Professional and amateur sports play an important role in our society, as many people enjoy being with friends, family, and fans during exciting, engaging, and compelling events. Sports broadcasters can enhance the experience of watching or listening to sports by sharing valuable information with the fans and providing people with the sense that they are at an event. Fans often remember the broadcasters who made the call at a famous sporting events and provided a chance to experience the excitement. Today, broadcasters can heard or seen through media outlets such as television, radio, podcasts, streaming coverage, and more.
The excitement and enthusiasm for sports has lead to an increase in the television stations that are dedicated to broadcasting sports. For example, sports television channels include ESPN, FOX Sports 1, NBC Sports, the Golf Channel, the Tennis Channel, and college conference networks (e.g., the SEC Network, the B10 Network). Recently, there has been an increase sports broadcasting summer programs available for high school students. These summer experiences enable students to explore the field of sports broadcasting and begin to determine if they would like to examine this area further in a post-secondary educational setting.
Sports Broadcasters and Memorable Moments
Sports broadcasters have played an integral role in bringing sporting events to homes across the country. Skilled broadcasters can increase excitement and make fans feel like they are attending a game even when they are watching it on television from a living room. The importance of sports broadcasters is not new. There are many examples of broadcasters who have helped to share meaningful and memorable moments with fans. For example, people continue to talk about and remember Al Michaels’ broadcast of an Olympic hockey game in 1980. The New York Post recently did a story about Michael’s call of the game.
Millions of people have watched the end of the famous championship basketball game between North Carolina State (NC State) and the University of Houston. Billy Packer and Gary Bender made the historic call when Jim Valvano’s NC State team upset Houston in the last second of the game. As Packer and Bender made the call, many remember Coach Valvano running around the court looking for someone to hug after the game. Coach Valvano went on to found The V Foundation, a charitable organization that provides funding for cancer research and enhances awareness about the disease through education, advocacy, and fundraising.
Sports Broadcasters Billy Packer and Gary Bender were on the call when Coach Jim Valano’s North Carolina State team won the NCAA basketball championship in the last seconds
Sports Broadcaster Al Michaels called the famous 1980 USA Olympic Hockey Game
Sports Broadcasting Summer Programs
Recognizing the significance of sports broadcasters, colleges, universities, and educational organizations have begun holding summer programs to provide high school students with a chance to learn more about the profession. These opportunities are designed to enable students to gain more knowledge about sports broadcasting and begin to consider whether they would like to explore this area in a post-secondary educational setting. The programs typically provide high school students with a chance to learn from experts, meet current professionals, utilize broadcast studio resources, engage in interesting discussions, and participate in practical exercises. Students often participate in real or simulated activities to give them a feel for what it is like to be a sports broadcaster.
Many of the summer sports broadcasting programs are pre-college programs that are held on campuses. Pre-college programs enable high school students to gain experience in a post-secondary educational environment while also previewing the types of academic experiences that are offered in a university setting. Additionally, a number of colleges have added on-campus high-tech studios and a structured summer program can give high school students a chance to utilize these resources.
Many pre-college programs have residential and commuter options for participants. Residential students typically stay on the campus and live in university-run dormitories during the program. This can help students become more familiar with living and learning in a college environment. It is important to note that commuter options are generally less expensive, and students can still benefit from their experiences on a college campus.
In addition to sports broadcasting, high school students may be interested in learning about pre-college summer programs in areas related to broadcasting. Pre-college program options in journalism, sports management, and business can be found on the directory of summer programs by using the information below.
Sports Management Summer Programs
Learning about the Field of Sports Broadcasting
Summer programs represent only one way that high school students can learn more about the sports broadcasting profession. There are a number of valuable alternatives outside of summer programs. One way that high school students can learn more about the field is through a shadowing experience. While professionals may be busy, many people in the sports broadcasting field or a related area would welcome the opportunity to have high school students learn about what they do. High schools often have connections with professionals in the community, and there may be shadowing opportunities that exist. As a result, the best place for students to inquire about shadowing opportunities is at the high school.
An option that is related to shadowing, but can have different benefits, involves interviewing a reputable professional in the field. An interview may widen the scope of opportunities because a phone interview can be conducted with a professional outside of the local community. Through interviewing a professional, high school students can ask questions such as:
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- How did you pick the field of sports broadcasting?
- What was your major in college?
- What is your favorite part about your job?
- What is the most difficult part of your job?
- What advice would you give to a student considering the sports broadcasting profession?
As an additional alternative, if there is a local college that has a broadcasting or journalism program (e.g., sports, news), a student may consider inquiring about the opportunity to observe a class, tour a studio, or speak with an instructor on the campus. It may be helpful for a student to learn about a college’s program of study that leads students to a career in a particular field (note: to inquire about a potential opportunity at a college, students should contact a department office, the admission office, or a professor from the school).
Researching and Finding Summer Sports Broadcasting Programs
The following section in this article includes information about 7 sports broadcasting summer programs. These programs have some similarities, as well as some differences. While all of the programs are designed to help high school students learn about sports broadcasting, some focus specifically on this area, and others include it under the broader title of sports journalism. There is not a right or wrong approach, but it is important that interested high school students take the time to read about and research the options that are the best fit for them.
It is also important to note that the programs included in this article are not meant to constitute a comprehensive list of summer sports broadcasting programs. The information below is meant to provide an example of the types of pre-college programs that are offered by colleges, universities, and educational organizations.
Sports Broadcasting Summer Programs for High School Students
Dean College Pre-College Summer Sports Broadcasting Program
Dean College, in Massachusetts, provides high school students with a chance to explore the field of sports broadcasting. The program at the college enables participants to become more familiar with what it is like to be a broadcaster for outlets such as television and radio. The program provides students with the opportunity to learn from an experienced instructor, receive advice from professionals, and get a preview of college life.
During the the two-week program, high school students participate in a variety of experiential learning exercises designed to give them a feel for sports broadcasting. The program’s focus on learning-by-doing allows students to gain experiences and begin to develop skills through broadcasting activities such as commentating on a sporting event. Participants also get to visit relevant sites connected to sports broadcasting, such as professional sports venues. During the program, students can also learn about college majors and potential career options in sports broadcasting and journalism.
The pre-college program has a residential option as well as a commuter for high school students. There are also extracurricular and recreational activities that serve to supplement the experience for students. There is a registration process for the program.
Participants: High school students ages fourteen and older.
Learn more: Dean Sports Broadcasting Program
Stetson University Summer Sports Broadcasting Camp
The sports broadcasting camp enables upper grade-level high school students to learn about a variety of different aspects within the field. Participants have the opportunity to become familiar with sports broadcasting through presentations from an instructor and guest speakers. Students also gain hands-on experience through utilizing the broadcasting resources at the university.
The week-long program gives high school students a chance to explore many different topics that are connected to the sports broadcasting field. The topics include, but are not limited to, the technology used by broadcasters, conducting interviews with athletes and coaches, engaging in preparation process prior to an event, anchoring sports television shows, sharing statistics during a broadcast, and utilizing techniques to effectively convey information with audience members during games. Students also gain insight into the behind-the-scenes action that takes place during a broadcast. The presentations, discussions, and experiential learning exercises allow students to develop significant foundational knowledge about the profession and field of sports broadcasting.
Students have the option of participating in the camp as a residential or a commuter student. Residential students can stay in housing at the college, use facilities at the university, and get a feel for what it is like to live on a campus. The commuter option is less expensive while still providing students with the chance to learn about a topic of interest and gain experience learning in a college environment. There is registration process for the program. Students can inquire about financial aid possibilities with a representative from university.
Participants: High school students who will be going into the 11th or 12th grade.
Learn more: Stetson Sports Broadcasting Camp
Rider University Summer Sports Media Program
The summer program at Rider, known as BRONCast Sports Media, provides high school students with the chance to delve into learning about the principles, ideas, and techniques within the areas of sports broadcasting and journalism. The program enables students to learn about the process of broadcasting athletic events and become more familiar with other journalistic areas such as photography and writing. The program also enables students to gain information about potential college majors and degrees that can lead to careers in broadcasting and journalism, including the Sports Media Degree Program at university
During the week-long program, participants have the opportunity to learn from a variety of broadcasting and journalism professionals, including those from well-known sports outlets in the vicinity. Rider is located in New Jersey, which is in reach of multiple professional and college sports venues. As a result, the program enables participants to hear from accomplished sports broadcasters and journalists.
The program has been designed to give students the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills by taking part in experiential learning exercises. Students engage in activities such as announcing games, interviewing athletes, engaging fans, and more. Additionally, students can utilize the resources at the university to get a feel for what it is like to broadcaster on television and radio.
The program offers a residential and commuter option for participating students. Residential students can stay in dorms on the campus, while commuter students return to the campus at the beginning of each day. Both residential and commuter students learn about college-level opportunities and gain experience being in a university environment. There is a registration process for the program. There is a unique scholarship opportunity that may be available for students who complete a summer program at the university (there is information about the pre-college completion award on the university’s main pre-college page).
Participants: High school students.
Learn more: Rider Sports Media Program
Marist College Summer Sports Communication Program
Marist offers a sports communication experience that enables high school students to explore the areas of broadcasting, producing, and writing. The program give students the chance to engage in hands-on learning activities, hear from current professionals, work collaboratively with peers, and begin to develop skills utilized in journalism and broadcasting.
During the two-week program, high school students learn about a variety of aspects within sports journalism and broadcasting. Students develop knowledge and skills in areas such as announcing games, producing video segments, conducting interviews and sharing information with audience members. Through the program, participants become more familiar with broadcasting, reporting, and writing about sports. They also have the opportunity to attend athletic events, meet athletes, and speak with professional sports broadcasters and journalists. Additionally, students can utilize the resources at the college to gain valuable experience with the way that technology is incorporated in sports reporting and broadcasting.
One of the features of the program involves students analyzing and discussing how sports media impacts society. This allows participants to consider the various roles and responsibilities of sports reporters and broadcasters. It can also help students begin to consider whether they would like to pursue an option within sports journalism after finishing high school.
The sports communication program is a part of the pre-college experience that is offered by Marist. As a result, participants in the program can stay on the campus and get a feel for life in a college setting. The program is held in Poughkeepsie, New York, and New York City. There is an application for the program.
Participants: The program is designed for high school students who will be entering the 11th or 12th grade. High school students who will be going into the 10th grade or those who have just finished high school can apply.
Learn more: Marist Pre-College Sports Communication Program
University of Massachusetts, Amherst Sports Broadcasting Summer Program
The University of Massachusetts at Amherst has a summer program that provides high school students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and develop practical skills in the area of sports broadcasting. The program enables students to engage in hands-on experiential activities to get a feel for the multiple aspects that are involved in broadcasting athletics. Participants gain insight into techniques that are implemented by broadcasters. Participants also become more familiar with potential college majors that can lead to becoming a professional sports broadcaster.
During the two-week program, students take part in a variety of real-world sports broadcasting activities. One of the features of the program involves giving participants the opportunity to examine sportscasting from different perspectives and through the lens of varying roles. Participants learn about aspects of sportscasting such as analyzing athletic information before a game, implementing techniques to enhance video broadcasting, editing digital media, conducting interviews with athletes and coaches, conveying information about a sporting event to an audience, and more.
Through the program, students are encouraged to use the resources at the university to enhance their learning in a college setting. The university campus has a high-tech broadcasting studio, which allows high school students to gain experience with skills that are utilized by professional broadcasters. Additionally, the program provides students with the opportunity to interact with faculty members, take part in interesting discussions about sportscasting, and work collaboratively with peers in a studio.
The sports broadcasting program falls under the umbrella of the pre-college experience offered by the university. Participants can stay on the campus in university-run dormitories to get a feel for college life. Alternatively, students can take part in the program activities each day while commuting to the campus. There is an application for the program. Students can also apply for a limited amount of need-based scholarship funding.
Participants: High school students who will be entering grades 10, 11, 12. Students who have just finished high school can also apply.
Learn more: UMass Summer Sports Broadcasting Program
The University of Southern California Summer Sports Journalism Program
USC offers a pre-college journalism program that focuses on sports. The program enables students to examine different types of sports journalism, including broadcasting, writing, podcasting, and other types of digital media. As a result, participants in this program can learn about sports broadcasting while also gaining insight into other journalistic options.
One of the features of the four-week program is the emphasis that is placed on reporting and talking about sports in different ways. This can help students become more familiar with the way that varying media outlets and professional entities cover athletics. Participants have the opportunity to learn from experienced faculty members, gain knowledge from different perspectives of current professionals, take part in practical activities, and engage in discussions about the way that sports are covered by journalists today.
During the program, students can expand their understanding of sports journalism and broadcasting through visiting relevant locations in the Los Angeles area, simulating journalistic practices in a university studio, and exploring journalistic techniques to convey information effectively to audiences. Additionally, the program enables students to work on projects to demonstrate their learning from the educational activities.
The program has a residential and commuter option. The residential option involves staying on campus and getting an idea of what it is like to live in a college setting. The commuter option enables students to stay off-campus (e.g., in the home) and to come to the campus for the learning activities each day of the program. There is an application process for the program.
Participants: High school students who will have completed the ninth grade by the beginning of the program.
Learn more: USC Sports Journalism Program
University of North Carolina Sports Journalism Summer Camp
UNC at Chapel Hill offers a summer program for upper grade-level high school students that offers a broad look at the field of sports journalism. Similar to the University of Southern California program, UNC’s summer camp enables students to develop an understanding of different facets of sports journalism, including broadcasting, photography, writing, and other forms of media. As a result, participants can learn about covering and reporting on athletics as a broadcaster as well as in other areas connected to sports journalism.
The four-day summer camp is designed to enable students to immerse themselves in sports journalism. There are a variety of learning activities in the program, which allow students to enhance their knowledge of the role that sports journalists play in sharing information with fans and audiences. Students learn in a classroom setting, through real-world learning exercises on the campus, and by hearing from current professionals in the field.
UNC has well-known and reputable Division I sports teams and facilities, which provide learning opportunities for students interested in sports journalism. Participants in the camp get to visit the university’s sports facilities, gain insight into how journalists cover the athletic teams and learn about the working relationship between reporters, athletes, and coaches. Students also have the chance to engage in hands-on scenarios that are common for sports broadcasters and journalists.
The summer camp has been designed to be a residential experience, and students can stay on the campus in university-run housing for the length of the program. There is an application process for the program.
Participants: High school students who will be going into the 11th or 12th grade.
Learn more: UNC Sports Journalism Camp