George Brown College, The Official College Partner of the Toronto Raptors
When leading Toronto organizations get together to create educational and community-building opportunities, you know amazing things are going to happen! As the Toronto Raptors' official college partner, George Brown College (GBC) will work with our city’s NBA team to highlight the critical role of post-secondary education in changing lives and empowering communities.
The Raptors are an integral part of Toronto's identity, and at GBC, the City is Our Classroom!
This innovative partnership demonstrates how education and sports can work together to achieve new community outreach possibilities and student inclusion. This is exactly what George Brown College is about and it is why this partnership sets a new scope of opportunity for students and communities.
-George Brown College President Dr. Gervan Fearon
We are excited to see the incredible opportunities this partnership will bring to our Raptors fans and the wider community. Together with George Brown College, we look forward to continuing to inspire, educate and empower the next generation of leaders through these various community initiatives.
-MLSE VP of Partnership Development & Strategy Julian Franklin
Exciting initiatives are about to roll out as part of GBC's new collaboration with the Raptors and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), including the following:
- The MLSE-GBC Speaker Series featuring MLSE executives, players and alumni will deliver exceptional insights into the sports industry and pathways to success for GBC students.
- GBC will be the presenting sponsor of the MLSE LaunchPad Annual Research to Practice Symposium. The event brings together researchers, practitioners, and youth to find real-world solutions to common challenges.
Expanding our impact together
With proud Raptors fans all over the globe, the team holds the attention of not only the city but also the entire country. Basketball's prominence among new Canadians makes this partnership an exciting prospect.
The partnership between George Brown College and the Toronto Raptors is an innovative collaboration; it is a bold step forward in demonstrating the vital role of higher education in today's rapidly evolving world. By embedding educational opportunities within the broader context of sports and community engagement, the college and the Toronto Raptors are paving the way for a future where education is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about applying that knowledge for the greater good.
Strengthening GBC's ties to the sports business industry
GBC grads @ MLSE
Many George Brown College alumni work with MLSE in exciting positions across the organization, including executive leadership, sales and marketing, events co-ordination, digital operations, ticket operations and more!
- Andrew Fraser, George Brown business graduate and assistant manager with MLSE's membership team.
- David Giller, George Brown dance graduate and member of the Raptors' North Side Crew.
Preparing future leaders
For more than 20 years, GBC’s Sport and Event Marketing program has been preparing students for success in the sports marketing industry in areas including amateur and professional sport, esports, special events, advertising, sponsorship and more.
The GBC-Raptors-MLSE partnership will create exciting opportunities for students in Sport and Event Marketing and other programs to connect with and learn from industry leaders.
5 to Watch Awards
GBC’s Centre for Business celebrates the best and brightest under 40 in the sports marketing industry with our annual 5 to Watch Sports Business Awards. The Alumni Achievement award is an important part of the celebration when we highlight GBC grads who’ve attained professional success and given back to the community.
