A new partnership looks to change the learning landscape.
Earlier this year George Brown College (GBC) announced its newest partnership with the Toronto Raptors.
A first for both organizations, the hope is to expand learning opportunities and outreach, says Kizzy Rodney, associate VP of external and community relations at GBC.
“Everyone often thinks of the Raptors or any type of sport being allied with banks, or clothing or something like that, but no one thinks about in a very unique way how education can also be in great alignment with a sports brand,” said Rodney.
The idea of the partnership came from Julian Franklin of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), who identified the synergy between both institutions.
For Franklin, the partnership was a natural merger of two dynamic organizations with a shared vision of community engagement and educational advancement.
The initiative will explore unique ways to integrate sports and education, creating compelling narratives that resonate with students.
This mutual exchange of knowledge aims to enrich the educational experience at GBC, providing students with learning opportunities directly linked to the sports industry.
Rodney notes this will include significant educational and employment opportunities for GBC students. Student may be able to expect guest speakers from The Raptors, lecture series, mock interviews, and other interactive experiences that will bring real-world insights into the classroom.
The second goal of this partnership is to outreach to communities believed to be more diverse.
A key goal of the partnership is to increase access to education for diverse communities. Rodney emphasized the importance of creating pathways for underrepresented groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, and those facing mental health challenges.
Normally, these groups do not consider a post-secondary program or even that GBC is a place for them, and it is extremely important to show them that it is.
“Access to education is critical right now in so many different communities. So, what I’m excited about is how GBC partnering with The Raptors can create more access points for communities that don’t necessarily see themselves as part of post-secondary destinations.”
This outreach includes strategies to engage high school students who might be unsure about their educational future, with Raptors executives and players potentially participating in these initiatives to make a stronger impact by sharing their stories and the importance of education for their success.
Moving forward, GBC students can expect increased visibility of the partnership through co-branding initiatives and direct interactions with the Raptors executives.
Student may even be able to take in a game and engage in various activities designed to integrate sports and education seamlessly.
These initiatives will become more prominent as the new academic year approaches, solidifying the partnership’s presence both visually and academically.
