The application has opened for the spring 2023 intake of the Amplify Horse Racing Mentorship Program, and will remain open through Friday, February 3. The program connects youth and young adults interested in the Thoroughbred industry with experienced industry professionals who can offer career guidance. Mentee candidates should demonstrate a desire to learn and an interest in working in the equine industry. The suggested age range is 15-25, with no restrictions based on academic achievement.
Potential mentors can apply at any time and will be paired with a mentee when the right match comes along. Mentors should have over 6 years of work experience in the Thoroughbred or equine industry, and have the ability to dedicate a minimum of 8 hours to the program over the course of 3 months. All applicants must be residents of the United States, U.S. territories, or Canada.
New for 2023, Amplify will offer four end-of-year travel awards to outstanding mentees who complete the program having demonstrated a strong work ethic and dedication to pursuing involvement in the Thoroughbred industry. Award recipients will have the opportunity to travel to Kentucky for a weekend of behind-the-scenes tours and networking experiences.
Since its launch in 2021, the Amplify Horse Racing Mentorship Program has produced nearly 30 graduates, and propelled its participants to jobs, internships and educational pursuits within various fields of the equine industry. These include media, racetrack and farm work, pari-mutuel wagering, sales, ownership, and veterinary medicine. Notably, the program has accepted mentees from 17 different states and territories.
“In a relatively short period of time, this program has inspired many young people who might not have known they have a place in the Thoroughbred industry, and given them direction on what avenue they want to take,” said Amplify executive director Annise Montplaisir. “This year we are excited to offer travel awards through the program so that a few dedicated mentees have the opportunity to experience the industry first-hand.”
“Thanks to this mentorship, I was able to orient myself toward the field of veterinary medicine, and my next goal in the near future is to apply and start my studies in that field,” said 2022 mentee Yadhiel Diaz. “I will always be grateful to this program, because even with the distance [of working with my mentor virtually], Amplify gave me the opportunity to learn about many aspects of this industry I didn’t know.”
To learn more about the program and apply today, visit www.amplifyhorseracing.org/mentorship, or contact info@amplifyhorseracing.org for more information. Amplify will open applications for the fall program intake in June.
About Amplify Horse Racing: Amplify Horse Racing is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying Thoroughbred industry education, mentorship and career opportunities for youth and young adults. Amplify welcomes newcomers, enhances existing educational initiatives, and develops new resources to lead the Thoroughbred industry into the future. Because Thoroughbred racing is not just a sport of kings… It is a sport for everyone! Amplify’s programming includes a highly successful mentorship program, equine career exploration series, behind the scenes educational racetrack tours, virtual presentations, a podcast, and more.