Sport management major Jalen Carthens ’25 spent the summer interning with the Success Academy Charter Schools Network in New York City, where he helped manage their expansive athletic programs.
“My summer internship with the Success Academy Charter Schools Network was a transformative experience that provided me with a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to manage a large-scale athletic program,” Carthens said.
Jalen Carthens (right) completed a summer internship at the Success Academy Charter School in NYC.
The Success Academy Charter Schools Network encompasses 57 schools across New York City, serving more than 22,000 students who participate in 300 athletic teams. With a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities like sports, their mission is to prepare students for college and lifelong success.
“My responsibilities evolved from administrative tasks to hands-on event management and professional development,” Carthens said. “These experiences allowed me to engage directly with students and contribute to their positive athletic experience.”
Throughout the internship, Carthens helped run Jr. Knicks Camps and Clinics, participated in meetings with athletic teams and coaches where he contributed to strategic discussions, and traveled with one of the network’s basketball teams to Atlantic City for a tournament, where he managed the team’s schedule and expenses.
“It wasn’t just about the games, it was about leadership, organization, communication, and growth.”
Jalen Carthens
“I was trusted with real responsibilities, and it showed me how much goes into building a successful athletic program,” Carthens said. “It wasn’t just about the games, it was about leadership, organization, communication, and growth.”
Carthens returned to SUNY Brockport to pursue a master’s degree in athletic administration and currently serves as the Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant, working alongside Sports Information Director Sean Kemp.
“During my junior year, I completed a sports management practicum with him (Kemp),” Carthens said. “I assisted wherever I was needed, including live production, operating cameras, and spotting.”
Carthens encourages future sport management students seeking internships to prioritize networking and building genuine relationships.
“Maximize connections with supervisors, colleagues, and other professionals you meet.”
Jalen Carthens
“Maximize connections with supervisors, colleagues, and other professionals you meet,” Carthens said. “These relationships are invaluable, enriching your learning and creating a vital network for future job searches or new opportunities after graduation.”
Now, as Carthens continues to advance his career in athletic administration, he credits one special person in his life for making sure he remained on the right track.
“Growing up in Harlem, many of my childhood friends chose a different path,” Carthens said. “My mom always told me not to be a product of my environment. She helped keep me on the right path, and I wouldn’t be where I am without her.”