School of Journalism and Communication

Support the SOJC—Give Students a Shot at the Big Leagues

Help SOJC Students Turn Sports Fandom into Real-World Experience

At the UO School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC), students don’t just study sports—they work inside the industry. Being a student at the UO, a Big Ten sports powerhouse, gives them opportunities they can’t get anywhere else, from networking with PR professionals for teams like the Trail Blazers and Timbers to covering world-class events like the U.S. Olympic trials for track and field, World Athletics Championships, and the Peach Bowl.

This year, your contribution on Ducks Give supports the SOJC’s new Sports Communication Experiential Learning Fund, designed to remove financial barriers so every student—whether they major in journalism, public relations, advertising, media studies, or one of our graduate programs—can participate in hands-on opportunities that build portfolios, networks, and confidence.

Why Experiential Learning Matters

The sports industry runs on relationships, timing, and real-world reps. Classroom learning provides the fundamentals—but career readiness comes from doing the work in real environments.

Your gift helps students:

Apply strategy and storytelling skills in live sports settings.
Build connections with teams, leagues, and agencies.
Gain the professional experience employers expect from Day 1.

What Your Gift Makes Possible

Donations directly fund immersive experiences that would otherwise be out of reach for many students, such as:

Industry Access

Students travel to meet professionals and see operations firsthand—in Portland, Seattle, and beyond—to learn how teams, leagues, and brands operate behind the scenes.

Live Event Learning

Funding allows classes to attend events, collaborate with organizations, and produce real work for real audiences—experiences that can’t happen inside a classroom.

Professional Development

Support networking trips, guest speakers, workshops, and career-building events with industry leaders who mentor and recruit our students.

Real-World Experience

Provide stipends so students can accept internships, conduct research, and attend conferences to gain valuable experience.

Advanced Academic Preparation

Help students participate in a planned SOJC summer sports communication institute and specialized training opportunities.

Global Events in Eugene

Support travel and production opportunities tied to the World Athletics U20 Championships this summer in Eugene, giving students rare access to cover an international sporting event in their own backyard.

Invest in the Next Generation of Sports Communicators

The Sports Communication Experiential Learning Fund ensures every student can step into the sports realm prepared and connected. Your gifts can help make this happen!