Major League Soccer and University of South Carolina Announce Multi-Year Education Partnership

Through the University of South Carolina's Innovative and Modern Academic Experience, the MLS Soccer Community Will Receive Higher Education Offerings for Personal and Professional Development

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Major League Soccer

Apr 14, 2021, 12:01 ET

NEW YORK and COLUMBIA, S.C., April 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Major League Soccer and the University of South Carolina announced today a historic multi-year partnership making South Carolina an Official Education Partner of MLS. Through the strategic partnership, MLS players and Greats (former players) will have access to online educational opportunities and unique post-secondary academic resources offered through the university system, as well as world-class personal and professional development.

With a shared vision for creating experiences that are accessible, inclusive, and authentic, MLS and the University of South Carolina have created pathways for a variety of academic offerings and flexible higher education solutions — such as the recently announced Carolina Online initiative — for MLS' multicultural soccer community.

"In the ever-evolving academic landscape, Major League Soccer is proud to partner with the University of South Carolina to provide current and former players and league and club staff members with immersive opportunities to pursue high-quality education," said Gary Stevenson, MLS Deputy Commissioner, President and Managing Director of MLS Business Ventures. "The University of South Carolina is a leader in modernizing higher education. We are thrilled to partner with them to deliver benefits to MLS players and executives for many years to come."

The partnership will empower MLS players — ranging from current players to MLS Greats and eMLS players (the League's esports competition) — to pursue higher-education through customized degree programs that address the unique needs of professional athletes. The collaboration will also provide a pathway for higher education for future MLS stars, specifically programming and resources for MLS Academy and MLS NEXT players. MLS club and League office staff will have the ability to pursue higher education opportunities through the partnership as well.

"At the University of South Carolina, we are committed to increasing access to higher education for all students — including students whose lives have interrupted or otherwise prevented them from fulfilling their educational goals in a traditional resident model," said the University of South Carolina President Bob Caslen. "In fulfillment of this mission, we are proud to partner with Major League Soccer to provide higher education to these exceptional athletes and prospective students across the country through Carolina Online."

University of South Carolina students will benefit from engaging with a variety of MLS stakeholders through coursework integration, league-based internships, and a dedicated speaker series for sport and entertainment management students. MLS will also provide exclusive learning opportunities and experiences to University of South Carolina students. The agreement also includes several community-based initiatives aimed at supporting marginalized communities and civic engagement, in addition to leadership development training. An executive from MLS and the University of South Carolina will also jointly chair a committee to review proposals for collaborative research as an additional benefit to South Carolina faculty, staff and students.

"Our partnership positions us to educate some of the world's greatest athletes and the community that supports them across the globe," said William Tate, the executive vice president for academic affairs at the University of South Carolina. "The partnership reflects our aim to democratize the opportunity to learn. At times, geography or occupational commitments restrict access to education. Our learning alliance eliminates barriers to entry, and instead opens the door to earning a degree while competing at the highest level of professional sports. We are honored to partner with MLS as we fulfill the vision of making higher education accessible and affordable through Carolina Online."

Carolina Online, which launched earlier this month, is the University of South Carolina's system-wide comprehensive effort to deliver rigorous bachelor and graduate degree programs online. With over 65 programs offered through Carolina Online, and a single tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students, UofSC is ensuring that higher education is accessible for all with this new initiative.

For more information regarding MLS' partnership with the University of South Carolina, visit MLSsoccer.com. For more information regarding UofSC's Carolina Online program, visit carolinaonline.sc.edu.

ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER:
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer features 27 clubs throughout the United States and Canada, in addition to future expansion teams in St. Louis and Charlotte. For more information about MLS, visit www.MLSsoccer.com.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA:
The University of South Carolina is a globally recognized, high-impact research university committed to a superior student experience and dedicated to innovation in learning, research and community engagement. Founded in 1801, the university offers more than 350 degree programs and is the state's only top-tier Carnegie Foundation research institution. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of 20 locations throughout the state, including the research campus in Columbia. With 56 nationally ranked academic programs including top-ranked programs in international business, the nation's best honors college and distinguished programs in engineering, law, medicine, public health and the arts, the university is helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and around the world.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
MLS
Angela Alfano
Sr. Director Corporate Communications
646-682-5313
[email protected]

University of South Carolina
Jeff Stensland
Assistant Vice President of Media and External Engagement
803-777-3686
[email protected]

SOURCE Major League Soccer