Diversity within sports is an ongoing issue both on and off the field. Presidente, the Dominican pilsner, alongside with the company’s President and Chairman Alex Rodriguez, have announced a new initiative called “Step Up To the Plate” that will look to provoke change and create more opportunities for Hispanic students interested in a career in sports.

A summer-long program, this initiative will help fuel a pipeline of qualified candidates into the business side of the industry by offering internship and networking opportunities, as well as financial support.

In partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, the ‘Step Up to the Plate’ program has awarded nine deserving students a three-month paid internship working on projects across the business that include a strategic sports focus, in collaboration with the Sports Marketing team at Anheuser-Busch – one of the biggest sponsors in sport for almost 40 years.

In addition to the internship, the program awards each student a grant for living expenses in a combined package worth approximately $15K, as well as the opportunity to join Anheuser-Busch in a full-time role following graduation.

“We recognize that the need to diversify leadership in sports is greater than ever, and as a brand that champions the progression of Hispanic culture, we’re more than thrilled to announce this program,” said Alex Monroy, Senior Brand Director of Presidente at Anheuser-Busch. “Step Up to the Plate is meant to bridge the gap between accessibility and opportunity for these students, and ultimately arm them with the tools and experience to “Be the Presidente” of their career in sports.”
In addition to the selected interns, Presidente will give anyone an opportunity to tune into a virtual Q&A session led by none other than former Yankee player, business mogul and Chairman of Presidente, Alex Rodriguez. Taking place on July 11, the virtual seminar will be streamed via Instagram live by Alex Rodriguez (@arod) and Presidente (@presidenteUSA)

“I’m very excited to be working with Presidente on a program that will fuel greater diversity within the industry,” said Rodriguez. “Hispanic athletes and fans have played a major part of baseball’s success throughout the years, which is why we think it’s vital that we’re represented not just on the field but in the boardrooms as well.”

Presidente intends for this initiative to be the first push in leveling the playing field for aspiring Hispanic graduates with a passion for sports. As such, the program recipients will begin their internships in Mid-June and will be placed across the Anheuser-Busch marketing team so they can best learn the ins and outs of the business.

For additional details on the ‘Step Up to the Plate’ program and seminar, follow Presidente on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.