Milwaukee Bucks, Marquette Team Up To Launch Fellowship Program Aimed At Training Next Generation Of Sports And Entertainment Leaders

Since joining the National Basketball Association as an expansion franchise back in 1968, the Milwaukee Bucks have been closely tied to Marquette University, the Jesuit school whose campus sits just west of the city’s downtown.

Most notably, the Bucks and Marquette have shared a home court; first at the Milwaukee Arena, then the Bradley Center before both teams moved into a brand-new facility for the 2018 season.

In addition, there’s been no shortage of staffers who’ve come to the Bucks after earning a degree from Marquette including the late John Steinmiler, who was hired as a part-time employee to change letters on an outdoor sign ahead during the team’s formative years and worked his way up the corporate ladder to Vice President over the next half-century.

Now, the relationship between the two iconic Milwaukee institutions is taking another step forward with a fellowship aimed at helping Marquette students pursue careers in sports and entertainment management.

The Marquette-Bucks Fellowship Program will be open to juniors and seniors participating in the school’s Urban Scholars Program which provides up to 45 full-tuition scholarships to high school seniors from financially disadvantaged backgrounds in the Milwaukee area, many of them first-generation college students.

“This partnership with Marquette is an important way to continue to develop and grow Black and Brown talent that will help shape the future of the workforce in Milwaukee,” said Jakeim Jackson, Bucks Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Outreach Manager. “Through this fellowship program, we’ll be able to provide students with the essential tools, resources and exposure to be successful in their careers.”

Fellows will work between 10-20 hours per week. Duties will consist of assigned department projects and tasks within the Bucks’ business side, as well as access to career guidance through guest speakers, mock interviews and resume and LinkedIn profile help. The Fellows will also volunteer in the Milwaukee community and join at least one employee resource group. To conclude the fellowship program, the Fellow will make a presentation to the Bucks Executive Leadership team.

In addition to real-world experience, Fellows will receive a stipend for their work.

“We are grateful to the Bucks for the opportunity to collaborate on a tremendous experiential learning opportunity for members of the Urban Scholars Program,” said Paul Jones, Vice President for University Relations at Marquette. “Not only will the Marquette and Bucks Fellows receive unique exposure to the sports industry with a first-class, championship organization, they will also be prepared for their future career with invaluable training, mentorship and experience.”

The first Marquette-Bucks Fellow, Christian Golden, a junior studying corporate communications and entrepreneurship who graduated from Milwaukee’s Rufus King High School, will begin working with the team later this month and continue through the end of the 2022-23 season.