PHILADELPHIA – The NBA Foundation has awarded Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) a one-year grant to launch its STHM-NBA Foundation Pipeline Program this fall.
The pilot program is a career-readiness initiative that prepares under-resourced, first-generation high school students in Philadelphia for college and careers in the sport industry.
Led by STHM assistant professor Ashley Gardner, the program provides up to 16 high school juniors and seniors with the opportunity to earn up to six transferable college credits at no cost through college-level coursework in sport business, college readiness and academic support.
“Students in the STHM-NBA Foundation Pipeline Program will also gain early exposure to careers in sport through industry site visits, NBA and sport industry guest speakers, mentorship from faculty and professionals, and hands-on workshops focused on resumes, networking and college applications,” Gardner said.
Participants will be selected through an application process that includes a statement of interest and an interview. Accepted students will complete the program over two semesters, attending afterschool classes on Temple’s Main Campus.
“Our intention is for students to leave the program not only with new knowledge and skills, but with greater confidence, a stronger sense of belonging, and a clear pathway to college and meaningful careers,” Gardner said. “If, at the end of the program, students can say, ‘I belong here. College is possible. I can build a career in this industry,’ then we’ve accomplished exactly what we set out to do.”
The grant funds the 2026–27 academic year, with the opportunity to apply for renewal for another year.
“The School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management is excited and deeply honored to partner with the NBA Foundation, an organization that shares our commitment to expanding opportunities for young people,” said Amy Giddings, STHM assistant dean.
“This initiative comes with a profound sense of responsibility and aligns with our mission of providing access to a college education. This isn’t just a grant—it is an opportunity to help change the trajectory of under-resourced students’ lives.”
For more information about the STHM-NBA Foundation Pipeline Program, email Ashley Gardner at ashley.gardner@temple.edu.
Learn more about Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management here.
About Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management
Established in 1998, Temple’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) has a distinguished tradition of preparing leaders in the sport, recreation, hospitality, tourism and event industries. STHM is the largest provider of sport, recreation, hospitality, tourism and event education in the Greater Philadelphia region and an international model for innovative teaching and research. Committed to student-centered education and individualized professional development, STHM has an award-winning faculty, world-class programs and cutting-edge research institutes to provide students with the knowledge and skills to succeed. Our curriculum integrates applicable, real-world experiences beyond the classroom through our global industry partners and prestigious alumni network.
We offer traditional undergraduate degree programs in sport and entertainment management, tourism, hospitality and event management, and a transfer-friendly multidisciplinary degree in sport, tourism, hospitality and event management in addition to a traditional graduate degree program in sport business with concentrations in athletic administration, recreation and event management, sport analytics and sport marketing and promotions. The school also offers a PhD in business administration with a concentration in tourism and sport. Uniquely positioned in Philadelphia—one of the nation’s most prominent centers for these industries—STHM provides students with exceptional opportunities to apply what they learn.
About the NBA Foundation
Our mission is to drive economic opportunity for under-resourced youth, ages 14-24, by funding programs that generate successful transitions from school to meaningful employment with priority being given to organizations operating in NBA team markets. The NBA Foundation will accomplish its mission by investing in programs and partnerships with and making grants to local and national organizations that promote school-to-career employment opportunities, including job readiness, skill training, job placement, and career advancement.