The University of Cincinnati and FC Cincinnati are expanding their educational cooperation and teamwork thanks to a newly signed agreement naming UC as the official university of the FC Cincinnati franchise.
The new agreement builds on the strengths of both of these distinguished Cincinnati institutions. It includes:
- New internship opportunities for UC students
- Greater cooperation in encouraging STEM education
- Access to professionals sharing career insights with students
The new agreement calls for a new matchday internship program, exclusively available to UC students, that will provide 8 to 10 students an opportunity to work with FC staff in marketing, operations, communications and fan engagement.
This aligns with UC’s recognized leadership in experiential education. UC is the global founder of cooperative education and today boasts a co-op/internship program that is ranked Top 5 in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report. UC students earn a collective $88.8 million annually thanks to their co-op and internship opportunities.
In addition, UC will seek to enhance campus and community engagement as a presenting partner for FCC Cincinnati’s STEM-oriented programming and events. The goal of these events is to foster elementary students’ interest and engagement around STEM studies and careers by linking science, technology, engineering and mathematics principles with soccer.
“I want to thank FC Cincinnati for their leadership in our city and their commitment to making a lasting impact,” says UC President Neville Pinto. “This partnership strengthens our public mission — to expand educational access and support student success. I’m especially pleased that this innovative collaboration opens new doors in STEM education for society’s next leaders.”
“FC Cincinnati is thrilled to partner with the University of Cincinnati as two leading organizations coming together to create access to higher education in some of the most in-demand fields,” said Chad Munitz, Chief Revenue Officer, FC Cincinnati. “Lifting up our community has always been a core value of the club, and this program is a strong example of FCC’s continued commitment to supporting the next generation in their pursuit of progress.”
Jack Miner, UC vice provost for enrollment management, adds that this collaboration sets a new standard for how higher education and professional sports can collaborate with a shared focus on student outcomes and lasting community value.
“UC continues to focus on our commitment to being ‘of Cincinnati’ and to invest in the students and the future of this city,” he adds. “This partnership brings together two of the city’s powerhouses and will be transformative for Cincinnati, but more importantly, it will provide opportunities for local students.”
Julie Thalman, vice provost for UC Online, says that the partnership exemplifies how “our programs meet our students and community members where they are – whether in the community or in school, or whether business professionals or returning adult learners.”
As part of the partnership, UC students will gain exclusive access to the expertise of FC Cincinnati’s front office. Each season, up to four curated appearances, either virtual or held at TQL Stadium, will bring FC Cincinnati executives into UC degree-specific courses, offering firsthand industry insights and career perspective. Two front office appearances are already confirmed for 2025, giving students early access to the partnership’s career-driven benefits.
Through this partnership, UC will also receive marketing opportunities on the team’s website, app and within TQL Stadium – all toward the goal of fostering career-ready education. According to UC Chief Marketing Officer Nicola Ziady, “The primary goals of our relationship with FC Cincinnati are to enhance the student experience, advance the educational aspirations of our community, and address the needs of regional employers.”
This has been an ongoing effort, she explains, as the new agreement builds on an existing effort between UC and FC Cincinnati Foundation, which sponsors a scholarship for UC students from the West End neighborhood and students who have participated in the FCC Futures program.