From Classroom to Career: NAB Leadership Foundation Connects Texas Students with Broadcast Career Pathways

The NAB Leadership Foundation (NABLF) recently completed a week-long visit to San Antonio, Texas, to connect with college students, faculty, and industry professionals to raise awareness of career opportunities in broadcasting.

The visit was made possible through generous support from the Clear Channel Communications Foundation, helping NABLF expand access to broadcast career pathways for Texas students.

NABLF met and engaged with nearly 300 students from the University of Texas at San Antonio, Trinity University, San Antonio College, and Texas A&M University-San
Antonio across various educational events such as classroom visits, faculty meetings, career fair participation and an industry lunch and learn session.

In partnership with Professor Camilla Montoya, and the Department of Management and Marketing, at Texas A&M University-San Antonio the NAB Leadership Foundation hosted a Lunch and Learn session introducing 30 students to the world of broadcasting, and the career opportunities available in the industry.

Students got to hear directly from Texas media experts, Yadira Hernandez, Regional Vice President of Multimedia Salesat TelevisaUnivision, and James Pickens, Vice President of Corporate Support at Texas Public Radio and a member of the Texas Association of Broadcasters Board of Directors.

Hernandez and Pickens shared their personal career journeys, emphasizing the importance of community, investing in your team, building relationships, and remaining open to unexpected opportunities.

Their stories demonstrated how persistence, creativity, and a willingness to show up can open doors in broadcasting.

From navigating unconventional career paths to helping clients recognize the value of reaching new audiences, their experiences brought media sales to life and inspired
students to explore careers in media.

The visit is part of NABLF's ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between students and broadcast careers.

According to a 2024 NABLF survey of 861 students and 127 broadcast stations, 56 percent of sales students and 32 percent of technology students were unfamiliar with career opportunities in broadcasting.
The survey also highlighted the importance of hands-on experience, with 77 percent of sales students and 52 percent of technology students identifying internships as a key pathway to employment.

Local educators also played an important role in connecting students with these opportunities. JJ Lopez, General Manager and Instructor at KRTU-FM 91.7, and Albert
Salinas, Operations Manager in the Department of Media and Communication at Trinity University, welcomed NABLF into their classrooms and helped facilitate meaningful conversations about broadcast career pathways.

Beyond student outreach, support from the Clear Channel Communications Foundation will help fund an incredible opportunity for two Texas students with a paid, eight-week
internship through NABLF's collegiate programs.

Each internship will be supported by a $6,400 stipend, administered through a participating local station, providing students with valuable hands-on industry experience while helping Texas broadcasters cultivate emerging talent.

Through its fully funded collegiate programs, including the Media Sales Academy (MSA), Technology Apprenticeship Program (TAP), and Emerson Coleman Fellowship (ECF), NABLF provides students nationwide with industry training, professional development, mentorship, and opportunities to connect with broadcast employers.

NABLF extends its gratitude to the Clear Channel Communications Foundation for supporting this initiative and to Beth Bobbitt and the Texas Association of Broadcasters for their partnership and continued commitment to connecting the next generation of talent with opportunities in broadcasting.

Interested in learning more about NABLF's collegiate programs or hosting a paid intern at your station?

Connect with the NAB Leadership Foundation to explore opportunities to engage with emerging talent and help develop the next generation of broadcast professionals.

For more information, contact Naika Pierre, Senior Partnerships and Program Manager, at [email protected].