Ten York College of Pennsylvania students are taking their classroom learning to one of the world's biggest stages this summer, serving as volunteers during FIFA World Cup events in Philadelphia.
The opportunity gives students a firsthand look at the planning, operations, customer service, and fan engagement efforts that power one of the most-watched sporting events on the planet, an experience that reflects York College's commitment to hands-on, career-focused learning.
"Our goal in the Sport Management program is to connect students with meaningful real-world experiences that complement what they learn in the classroom," said Dr. Inje Cho, assistant professor of Sport Management. "The FIFA World Cup is one of the largest sporting events in the world, and having our students selected to participate speaks to their professionalism, preparation, and willingness to step outside their comfort zones. We are incredibly proud of them."
Students applied for volunteer positions last year and completed a competitive interview and selection process before participating in required training sessions. Most of York College's volunteers were selected for Fan Festival roles at Philadelphia's Lemon Hill Park, where they will assist with fan engagement and event activities throughout the tournament.
One student, however, earned a particularly unique assignment.
Haley Feist ‘26 graduated in May and was selected for a coveted stadium-based role, placing her directly inside the venue during World Cup matches.
Feist helps oversee hospitality areas, including suites, clubs, and lounges, as well as helps guests navigate the facility, ensuring a positive experience for visitors from around the world.
"Overseeing the hospitality areas like the suites, clubs, lounges and more is an incredible opportunity," Feist said. "I'm helping direct people to these areas and providing customer service to a variety of international guests."
Already, the experience has exposed her to the global reach of the tournament.
"It was definitely eye-opening to see all of the Ecuador and Ivory Coast fans, as well as the people who came just to experience the event," she said. "There was chanting and dancing all throughout the streets."
For Feist, the experience goes beyond volunteering. It provides a behind-the-scenes view of event operations at the highest level while allowing her to apply concepts learned throughout her time at York College.
"Being inside the stadium gives me a chance to see how so many different departments work together to create an unforgettable experience for fans," Feist said. "I’m learning something new every time I walk into the stadium. It's exactly the kind of hands-on learning that prepares you for a career in sports."
Cho noted that opportunities like Feist's demonstrate the value of experiential learning.
"Students can learn about event operations in a classroom, but there is no substitute for seeing it unfold in real time," Cho said.
Junior Sport Management major Jackson Monroe, ‘28 is volunteering at the Fan Festival, helping visitors and supporting event activities throughout the tournament.
Monroe first learned about the opportunity through Cho.
"Professor Cho held an information meeting about volunteering for the World Cup, which was the first time I heard about the opportunity," he said.
Although initially nervous about the selection process, Monroe found the experience encouraging.
"The interview process wasn't as horrifying as I thought it would be," he said. "Since the people who were interviewing me were also going through the same process, it made the interaction more authentic, which calmed me.”
At the Fan Festival, Monroe's role focuses on assisting visitors and helping create a welcoming environment for fans from around the world. He also sees the experience as a chance for personal growth.
"Over the past few years, I've been slowly coming out of my shell and interacting with more people," he said. "I'm hoping this experience will further continue that process."
Cho said experiences like these help students build both professional skills and confidence.
"Whether students are working in the stadium or engaging with fans at the festival, they are developing communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills that employers value," he said. "These experiences help students discover what they are capable of and give them a clearer understanding of potential career paths."
As fans from across the globe gather at various stadiums in North America, York College students are gaining an education that extends far beyond the classroom, learning from one of the world's premier sporting events while representing the College on an international stage.
"We often talk about preparing students for successful careers," Cho said. "Opportunities like the FIFA World Cup show what that preparation looks like in action. Our students are not just observing; they are actively contributing, learning, and growing. That's something the entire York College community can be proud of."
