iUrban Teen gets grant from NBA Foundation to introduce students to sports administration

Vancouver nonprofit iUrban Teen has launched a new program to introduce youth across Clark County to the world of sports management.

iUrban Teen supports local youth of color through science, technology, engineering, arts and math education. The organization’s newest iSports program is designed to provide a pathway to careers in sports, including sports administration, sports journalism, data analytics, player development and event management.

The nonprofit received a $225,000 grant from the NBA Foundation to launch the program.

“The whole purpose is to give them a pathway to different careers, like sports marketing, event management and more,” iUrban Teen spokeswoman Vera Anderson said. “We wanted the students to have access to diverse engagement. We’re really excited about it. There’s lots of enthusiasm from the kids.”

The free, 10-week course is aimed at high school students. It will take place at iUrban Teen’s building, 808 Harney St., Suite B. The program will run weekly from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday through Dec. 21.

Although registration has closed for the current cohort, the nonprofit will begin accepting applications for the second cycle in February 2025, Anderson said.

Noe Rodriguez, a statistics graduate student from Woodburn, Ore., will teach the program. Rodriguez will teach students how to use Microsoft Excel and analyze sports data, player stats, performance metrics and game strategies.

Upon completion of the program, students will receive a $250 stipend and attend a free Portland Trail Blazers basketball game.

For more information about the iSports program, visit iurbanteen.org.