SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Today, the San Francisco 49ers and University of the Pacific announced a multi-year partnership focused on expanding access to higher education and strengthening community engagement across Northern California. The partnership makes Pacific the Official Higher Education Partner of the 49ers.
For visuals from today’s announcement event on University of the Pacific’s Stockton campus, please click HERE.
Through the agreement, Pacific will become the presenting partner of the 49ers Internship Program, providing students from across the country with year-long opportunities for hands-on experience in the sports industry. Pacific students will also benefit from direct access to internships and hands-on learning experiences within the 49ers organization. In addition, Pacific will become a presenting partner of the team’s annual Students at the Stadium event at Levi’s® Stadium, which brings Bay Area college students together to learn from 49ers staff, participate in career workshops, and network with peers.
“This partnership is a statement of belief in our students and in the transformative power of education,” said Christopher Callahan, president of University of the Pacific. “Our two organizations share a common goal—to build champions on the field, in the classroom and throughout our communities—and we’re proud to stand alongside the 49ers as we work together to shape the future of California.”
Bridging the gap between education and professional sports, Pacific and the 49ers will support K–12 education initiatives across Northern California, offering learning resources, networking opportunities, and college-readiness programs that will inspire the next generation to pursue higher education. Pacific will also support the 49ers Foundation through multiple annual initiatives, including Foundation for Success and STEAM Champions. Both events inspire youth to engage with science, technology, engineering, arts, and math concepts through interactive lessons and problem-solving activities.
Staff members at the 49ers organization will also benefit from the partnership, with opportunities to enroll in Pacific’s nationally ranked degree programs and professional development opportunities.
“We are excited to begin this partnership with Pacific and to extend the positive impact that the 49ers have across California,” said Christina Jefferson, Senior Director, Inclusion & Culture for
the 49ers. “The holistic development of students across the Bay Area is central to the 49ers mission, and this partnership goes one step beyond, providing additional opportunities for our staff to further their educational pursuits.”
The collaboration will be prominently featured across both Pacific and 49ers channels through digital and printed signage, social media, game-day coverage and more. Pacific students, alumni, and community members can look forward to a wide range of special events at Levi’s® Stadium and on the Pacific campus, including viewing parties and co-branded experiences.
“Our commitment to equity and inclusion means ensuring all students have meaningful opportunities to succeed,” said Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at University of the Pacific. “Partnering with the 49ers helps us respond to the growing demand for skilled talent in innovative fields while expanding access to education. What we accomplish together will echo for generations to come.”
This collaboration reignites a historic relationship between the 49ers and Pacific. From 1998 to 2002, Pacific’s Stockton Campus was used by the 49ers for training camps, creating strong ties between the franchise and Central Valley community.
For more information about the 49ers and University of the Pacific, please visit 49ers.com and pacific.edu.