Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Lions have announced the opening of applications for the third season of their Strength in Numbers: Detroit Lions Analytics Mentorship Program. The program, which began during the 2022 Detroit Lions season, will run throughout the collegiate fall semester and is available to students from Wayne State University, University of Michigan – Dearborn, and University of Detroit Mercy. Interested candidates can apply at www.detroitlions.com/careers until the end of September.

"It means a lot to us to be able to bring this program back for a third year and see how it has grown since 2022," said Detroit Lions Chief Operating Officer Mike Disner. "Strength in Numbers does an incredible job at creating widespread opportunity in the sports analytics world. We at the Lions continue to feel honored that we can offer a trusted avenue for their organization's work while providing additional resources and mentorship to the highly talented individuals we meet through this program."

Participants in the program will receive a stipend, exposure to sports analytics, and mentorship. They will work on small-scale or prototype versions of analytics projects related to either football or business operations. The goal is to demonstrate how data analysis can help organizations make better-informed decisions. Students will regularly meet with members of the Lions' football information and strategy & analytics teams as well as weekly meetings with a teaching assistant associated with Strength in Numbers.

The Detroit Lions were pioneers in creating an analytics mentorship program within the NFL through their partnership with Strength in Numbers. This organization focuses on addressing underrepresentation of minorities and women in sports analytics by teaching these skills to underrepresented students, broadening STEM appeal, and providing resources for successful careers. Strength in Numbers was founded in 2020 by John Tobias, an ESPN Statistician and professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Further details about the 2024 Strength in Numbers: Detroit Lions Analytics Mentorship Program and other career opportunities are available at www.detroitlions.com/careers.