Real Events. Real Experience. Real Career Preparation.

The Enterprise Sports Media Program, or ESMP, is a paid student workforce initiative that gives Fort Bend ISD students hands-on experience supporting live athletic events throughout the district.

Through ESMP, students do more than learn about sports media and event production in the classroom, they apply those skills in real working environments. Students operate scoreboards and video displays, support live productions, capture event photography, assist with game-day operations, and work alongside other students and district professionals.

The goal of ESMP is to help students become confident, capable, and prepared for the modern workforce.

What Is ESMP?

ESMP connects classroom learning with meaningful employment.

Participating students are hired through Fort Bend ISD, trained on the equipment and procedures used at district athletic venues, and scheduled to work eligible events. Students receive guidance and supervision while gaining practical experience in sports media, technology, broadcasting, photography, event management, and production.

ESMP is not simply a club or volunteer activity. It is an opportunity for students to:

• Earn income while developing valuable skills.

• Build professional and technical experience.

• Explore careers in media, technology, sports, and event production.

• Strengthen their resumes, portfolios, and college applications.

• Learn how to communicate, collaborate, and perform in a professional environment.

• Become better prepared for college, internships, and future employment.

Preparing Students for the Future Workforce

Today’s workforce requires more than technical knowledge. Employers are looking for people who can communicate clearly, solve problems, manage responsibilities, work with others, and adapt when circumstances change.

ESMP gives students an opportunity to practice these skills in real time.

During live events, students must remain focused, meet deadlines, follow instructions, communicate with their team, respond to unexpected situations, and complete their responsibilities accurately. These experiences help students develop the confidence and professionalism they will need in nearly any career.

Through ESMP, students strengthen skills such as:

• Communication.

• Leadership.

• Teamwork.

• Time management.

• Accountability.

• Problem-solving.

• Adaptability.

• Attention to detail.

• Customer service.

• Technical troubleshooting.

• Professional conduct.

Students leave the program with more than knowledge. They leave with documented experience showing that they can be trusted with real responsibilities.

What Students Do

ESMP students work together to support successful athletic events at Fort Bend ISD venues.

Available responsibilities may include:

Scoreboard and Control Board Operations

Students operate scoring systems, video boards, graphics, and other approved digital content during live events. This role requires focus, accuracy, and the ability to respond quickly.

Live Event Production

Students help manage the flow of the production, follow the event timeline, communicate with team members, and make sure approved content appears at the correct time.

Photography and Media Support

Students capture professional images of athletic events, participants, venues, and special moments. They gain experience in visual storytelling, equipment use, file organization, and event photography.

Production and Event Support

Students assist with equipment preparation, communication, media organization, production areas, and other game-day needs.

Student Leadership

Experienced students may have opportunities to serve in leadership roles, help guide the production team, and support the overall execution of an event.

How the Program Works

1. Students Are Identified

Teachers and campus staff may recommend students who demonstrate interest, dependability, professionalism, creativity, technical ability, or a willingness to learn.

Students do not have to begin as experts. ESMP is designed to help them develop.

2. Students Apply and Complete Onboarding

Because ESMP offers paid employment experience, students must complete the Fort Bend ISD application and Human Resources onboarding process before they may begin working.

Students must complete all required steps and submit requested information by the established deadlines.

3. Students Receive Training

Before receiving event assignments, students participate in training covering:

• Equipment operation.

• Scoreboard and video-board systems.

• Game-day procedures.

• Event timelines.

• Venue expectations.

• Safety and equipment care.

• Communication procedures.

• Professional conduct.

• Basic troubleshooting.

• Team responsibilities.

Training helps students understand both how to perform the job and how to represent Fort Bend ISD professionally.

4. Students Work Live Events

After completing onboarding and training, students may be scheduled based on event needs, availability, readiness, and performance.

Assignments may take place at district athletic facilities, including stadiums, field houses, and the natatorium. Events may occur after school, during evenings, or on weekends.

5. Students Continue to Grow

Students receive guidance and feedback from program supervisors. As they build experience and demonstrate reliability, they may qualify for additional responsibilities and leadership opportunities.

Who Is a Good Fit for ESMP?

ESMP may be a strong opportunity for students who:

• Are interested in sports, broadcasting, photography, video, technology, or event production.

• Enjoy working with equipment or digital media.

• Are dependable and able to arrive on time.

• Can remain focused in a fast-paced environment.

• Communicate respectfully.

• Work well independently and with a team.

• Are willing to accept feedback and continue learning.

• Want to gain professional experience before graduation.

Prior experience can be helpful, but it is not the only factor considered. A student’s attitude, reliability, interest, and willingness to learn are equally important.

The Role of Teachers and Campus Staff

Teachers and campus staff are essential to the success of ESMP because they help identify students who may benefit from the program.

Teachers may support ESMP by:

• Sharing information with eligible students.

• Recommending students who demonstrate potential.

• Encouraging students to apply and complete onboarding promptly.

• Helping students connect classroom learning with workplace experience.

• Reinforcing professional expectations.

• Providing feedback that helps the program continue to improve.

Enterprise Funds coordinates the employment, training, scheduling, and operational components of the program in collaboration with Career and Technical Education, Athletics, and other district partners.

Why ESMP Matters

ESMP gives students something that cannot be fully recreated in a classroom: the opportunity to be responsible for real work that affects a real event.

Students learn that preparation matters, communication matters, teamwork matters, and their contributions matter.

They gain an opportunity to earn money, build confidence, explore careers, operate professional equipment, and graduate with practical experience that can help distinguish them in a competitive workforce.

ESMP is an investment in Fort Bend ISD students. It prepares them not only for careers in sports media and live production, but also for the expectations, technology, collaboration, and responsibility required in the workforce of the future.

Interested in Learning More?

Teachers, campus staff, students, and district partners are encouraged to connect with Enterprise Funds for additional information about student opportunities, referrals, training, and program participation.

Interest does not automatically guarantee employment or placement. Participation is based on eligibility, available positions, completion of district requirements, training readiness, scheduling needs, and student performance.

Fort Bend ISD Enterprise Funds is also preparing to hire an Enterprise Funds Coordinator who will help support ESMP and other district revenue programs. Additional information will be available through the Fort Bend ISD careers page once the position is posted.

Contact Information

Gabrielle Moon
Assistant Director, Enterprise Funds
Fort Bend Independent School District
gabrielle.moon@fortbendisd.gov
281-634-3327