SAN JOSE, Calif. – Two of San Jose’s biggest community pillars have joined together in a historic partnership. The San Jose Earthquakes and San Jose State University have agreed to a multi-year partnership, with SJSU being named the club’s official higher education partner, the first of its kind in MLS.
“The Earthquakes and San Jose State University are two of the most important institutions in this community,” said Earthquakes Chief Operating Officer Jared Shawlee. “We’re thrilled to form this historic partnership with an educational institution as respected as SJSU and believe both sides will benefit greatly from the new opportunities this relationship provides.”
The Quakes have extensive history with SJSU, having played the team’s home matches at Spartan Stadium from 1996-2005. During that time, San Jose amassed an 80-41-28 regular season record, won MLS Cup in 2001 and 2003 and added a Supporters’ Shield in 2005. The Earthquakes teams of the North American Soccer League (1974-84) and the Western Soccer Alliance (1985-88) also played their home matches at Spartan Stadium.
“We are thrilled to enter into this partnership with the highly respected San Jose Earthquakes, a model franchise for Major League Soccer, “ said San José State University President Dr. Mary Papazian. “We look forward to collaborating with the Quakes on events and activities of benefit to our shared communities.”
The partnership will include many collaborative efforts between the Earthquakes and San Jose State, including coursework integration, education programs and initiatives in the community.
San Jose State University will host up to 12 lectures or classes at the home of the Earthquakes every year, with club executives speaking on their respective area of expertise. Avaya Stadium will also host four college-based SJSU Commencement ceremonies on May 24-25.
SJSU and the Quakes will also offer one another learning opportunities. Students will have exclusive openings to be Earthquakes Brand Ambassadors, gaining valuable work experience through training, resume building and networking before graduation.
“We’re thrilled to have this opportunity to provide meaningful internship opportunities with the Earthquakes, as well as many other engagement opportunities for our campus community,” said Paul Lanning, Vice President for University Advancement. “The Earthquakes and San José State University are two South Bay institutions that will both benefit from this exciting partnership.”
Education scholarships will be made available by the team for players interested in taking classes and looking towards career options after retirement.
The Earthquakes are also providing one full scholarship per year for a qualified student who meets the Spartan East Side Promise qualifications and criteria, and will host the annual Spartan East Side Promise celebration at Avaya Stadium for incoming students planning to attend the university. Additional collaboration includes an annual Quakes Dorm Makeover, where the club will surprise one student living on campus housing with Earthquakes players and special opportunities to win TCL 4K TVs and game tickets.
