Exploring the New Amplify Horse Racing Travel Awards for Young Adults
The Thoroughbred industry is a unique and exciting field that offers a range of career opportunities. However, breaking into the industry can be challenging, particularly for young adults who lack industry connections and experience. The Amplify Horse Racing Mentorship Program, launched in 2021, aims to bridge this gap by connecting young adults interested in pursuing a career in the Thoroughbred industry with experienced industry professionals who can offer guidance and support. Since its launch, the program has produced nearly 30 graduates and has facilitated educational pursuits, internships, and jobs within various fields of the equine industry. In 2023, Amplify will offer four end-of-year travel awards to outstanding mentees who complete the program with a strong work ethic and dedication to pursuing involvement in the Thoroughbred industry. This blog post will explore the objectives of the program, the mentorship process, the new travel award, and the benefits of participating in the program.
Objectives of the Program The Amplify Horse Racing Mentorship Program aims to achieve several objectives:
Improve accessibility of the Thoroughbred industry: The program aims to increase the accessibility of the Thoroughbred industry by connecting young adults with industry professionals who can offer guidance and support in pursuing a career in the industry.
Develop newcomers’ understanding of the Thoroughbred industry: The program leverages the passion, knowledge, and experience of industry professionals to educate mentees about the nuances of the Thoroughbred industry and equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to pursue a job or career in the industry.
Facilitate meaningful conversations between young adults and industry professionals: The program facilitates meaningful conversations between young adults and industry professionals about employment expectations, career goals, direction, and steps toward achievement.
Create a pathway to employment by connecting education and workforce: The program aims to create a pathway to employment by connecting education and the workforce, providing young adults with the necessary tools and resources needed to secure a job in the Thoroughbred industry.
Mentorship Process The Amplify Horse Racing Mentorship Program is a three-month-long program that takes place in the spring (March-May) and in the fall (August-October). The program pairs mentees with experienced industry professionals based on compatibility between the mentee’s areas of interest in the Thoroughbred industry and their mentor’s career field. Compatibility of schedules and geographic proximity are also taken into account. Meetings can take place virtually or in person.
The mentorship process begins with the mentee’s application, interview, and acceptance into the program. Mentors also apply and undergo a background check. Amplify provides an email introduction between mentors and mentees and schedules a face-to-face introduction over Zoom. Amplify also provides training materials and resources to guide conversations.
After the Zoom introduction, mentors and mentees schedule their meetings and determine the most convenient communication and meeting methods. Pairs must meet for a minimum of one hour per month for three months and spend additional time communicating between meetings. Mentors and mentees each complete a final survey.
Hybrid Mentorship Approach The Amplify Horse Racing Mentorship Program uses a hybrid mentorship approach, facilitating both in-person and virtual meetings between mentors and mentees. Amplify provides in-person meeting locations and virtual platform suggestions. This approach allows for flexibility and convenience for both mentors and mentees.
New Travel Award for Outstanding Mentees In 2023, Amplify will offer four end-of-year travel awards to outstanding mentees who complete the program with a strong work ethic and dedication to pursuing involvement in the Thoroughbred industry. The travel award is designed to recognize the exceptional efforts of mentees who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the program and to pursuing their career goals in the industry.
The four travel awards will cover expenses for mentees to travel to Kentucky for a weekend of behind-the-scenes tours and networking experiences in November, 2023. To culminate the weekend, travel award recipients will be honored at the annual Amplify Horse Racing Young Professionals Networking Event. This event will include an educational panel presentation and networking opportunities amongst industry professionals and other youth looking to be involved in the Thoroughbred industry. All 2023 Amplify mentors and mentees will be welcome to attend. The award will cover expenses such as airfare, lodging, and registration fees up to a certain amount, and the amount awarded to each recipient will be determined based on the distance they will have to travel.
The travel award is a valuable opportunity for outstanding mentees to network, learn more about the Thoroughbred industry, and gain exposure to industry professionals and experts. It also provides mentees with an opportunity to showcase their skills and knowledge, and to further their professional development.
Benefits of Participating in the Program: Participating in the Amplify Horse Racing Mentorship Program offers numerous benefits for young adults interested in pursuing a career in the Thoroughbred industry. These include:
Access to experienced industry professionals: Mentees have the opportunity to learn from experienced industry professionals who can offer guidance, support, and advice on pursuing a career in the industry.
Increased industry knowledge and understanding: Through their interactions with mentors, mentees gain a deeper understanding of the nuances of the Thoroughbred industry, including the different career paths available and the skills and knowledge required for success.
Networking opportunities: The program offers mentees valuable networking opportunities, allowing them to connect with industry professionals and peers who share their interests and goals.
Career development: The program provides mentees with the tools and resources needed to pursue a job or career in the Thoroughbred industry, including job search strategies, interview tips, and resume-building advice.
Conclusion: The Amplify Horse Racing Mentorship Program is an innovative and valuable initiative that aims to bridge the gap for young adults interested in pursuing a career in the Thoroughbred industry. By connecting mentees with experienced industry professionals, the program offers a unique opportunity for young adults to gain industry knowledge, build their network, and develop the skills and knowledge needed for success. The addition of the new travel award for outstanding mentees further incentivizes dedication and hard work, providing an exciting opportunity for further professional development and exposure within the industry.