Wake Forest Summer Immersion: Sports Marketing

Wake Forest Summer Immersion: Sports Marketing is an overnight pre-college institute for current 9th–12th grade students, approximately ages 14–18. The program is part of Wake Forest University’s Summer Immersion Program and is designed for students interested in the business, branding, media, sales, sponsorship, and marketing side of sports.

The institute gives students a broad look at the sports marketing industry. Participants study both the “business side” and the “fun side” of sports marketing, then learn how those sides work together. Students are challenged to interpret marketing concepts, think strategically, and understand how a strong campaign can connect teams, brands, fans, sponsors, and media.

The experience is collaborative. Students work in teams throughout the week and build toward a final presentation in which they pitch ideas demonstrating what they have learned. Guest speakers may include executives, sports marketers, branding experts, and other professionals from the sports industry.

This institute is a strong fit for teens who enjoy sports but may not want to be athletes. It is especially useful for students interested in marketing, branding, fan engagement, media, sales, sponsorships, event promotion, or future careers in sports business.

Typical Daily Schedule

    8:00 am – Breakfast 
    9:00 am – Workshop: The Sports Marketing Mullet
    10:00 am – Guest Speaker: Sports Media & Commentary
    11:00 am – Marketing Strategies in Professional Sports
    12:00 pm – Lunch with Pro-Sports Marketing Executives
    1:30 pm – Facility Tour: Pro-Sports Stadium or Arena
    3:00 pm – Roundtable: Sponsorships and Brand Partnerships in Sports
    4:00 pm – Career Pathways Panel with Sports Industry Leaders
    5:00 pm – Debrief & Dinner
    6:30 pm – Evening Activities & Free Time
    10:30 pm – Lights Out

*The “A Day in the Life” sample schedule is subject to change.