Park University announced that it would be the first-ever official higher education partner of the Kansas City Chiefs football team on Apr. 19, 2018.

As a higher education partner to the Chiefs, team employees can receive tuition assistance for 12 months. Partnering with the Chiefs also presents opportunities for current Park students. Students can apply to the seasonal assistant program, where students get to work one-on-one with the Chiefs team.

“I would like to see the fitness and wellness program grow through the Chiefs training faculties,” said Danny Tucker, senior fitness and wellness major. “Being able to learn from a high-level athletic program would be phenomenal.”

There are opportunities for students studying a range of topics including business, health and journalism. The Chiefs offer many jobs that suit all professions, such as athletic trainer, digital media analyst and content promoter.

Park is a big supporter of the military as well, and this partnership is helping to highlight it. According to an announcement on Park’s website, “Park University has a longstanding tradition of honoring military members and supporting veterans. Thirty-three of the University’s 41 campuses are on military installations throughout the country. Park will be this year’s presenting partner at the Chiefs Draft Day III event… In addition, the Chiefs will recognize a Park student or graduate that is a military veteran during the club’s annual Salute to Service game this season.”

In the official Park University announcement, Park Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Shane Smeed said, “I believe that Park University’s partnership with the Kansas City Chiefs will help increase public awareness of the university’s academic programs. We also look forward to Park students having opportunities to be involved with one of the most successful professional sports franchises in the country.”