For Immediate Release
Philadelphia (Oct 6, 2025)Philadelphia Soccer 2026, the 501c3 non-profit that serves as the Local Host Committee charged with planning and executing FIFA World Cup 26™ in coordination with the City of Philadelphia, today announced the launch of the Rising Stars Academy, a dynamic professional development program designed to provide college students with enriching experiential learning opportunities and career-building connections.
Open to college juniors, seniors, and graduate students, the program reflects the organization's commitment to inclusivity by engaging the next generation of leaders in the lead-up to the largest sporting event in the city’s history. Featuring 24 participants from 15 Philadelphia-area colleges and universities, the cohort encompasses a wide range of academic disciplines and backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of the city and its people.
"Through the Rising Stars Academy, our goal is to ensure that next summer’s FIFA World Cup™ is inclusive for all, including our students and young professionals.” said Jonathan Todd, Director of Social Impact for Philadelphia Soccer 2026. “The program's curriculum is designed to help participants sharpen their skills, expand their networks, and play a meaningful role in preparing our city for this once-in-a-generation moment.”
Through the cohort, students will have the opportunity to engage in executive-led workshops, enjoy site visits to FIFA World Cup™-related venues, and collaborate on a social impact-focused group project. Following the completion of the program, participants will also receive six months of one-on-one mentorship to further support their personal and professional development.
Through a competitive selection process, the following students were chosen to participate in the program:
Rising Stars Academy Participants
- Samantha Ammons, Temple University
- Emily Barahona, Rowan University
- Nancy Christiaens, Temple University
- Amelia Erb, Temple University
- Sonndy Exantus, Rowan University
- Ethan Ginsberg, Arcadia University
- Phebe Herlocher, Drexel University
- Kabir Hinduja-Obregon, Haverford College
- Kamira Hoover, Temple University
- Natalie Kazanjian, University of Delaware
- Labib Khan, Temple University
- Anika Knight, Widener University
- Jerel Laws-Mosley, Villanova University
- Herbert Lima, Temple University
- Edmund Lewis, Holy Family University
- Kaitlin Meenan, Widener University
- Krish Patel, Penn State Abington
- Rod Pobre, Villanova University
- Jack Robertson, Temple University
- Carlos Solorzano, Villanova University
- Max Springler, Widener University
- Leah Stein, Temple University
- Khamani Wade, Rutgers-Camden University
- Bianca Whatts, Villanova University
The Rising Stars Academy will kick off on Tuesday, October 7 and feature six in-person meetings across the span of three weeks. Facilitated by leaders from Philadelphia Soccer 2026, the City of Philadelphia, and partner organizations, sessions will focus on topics such as event operations, community engagement, and legacy planning.
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About Philadelphia Soccer 2026
Philadelphia Soccer 2026 is the Local Host Committee charged with planning and executing FIFA World Cup 26™ in coordination with the City of Philadelphia. Established in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it is governed by a 14-person Board of Directors that convenes leaders from across the City of Philadelphia and the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. For more information, follow us on social media @FWC26Philly.
FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the biggest sporting event ever, with three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams and 104 matches uniting an entire continent to showcase a momentous new tournament format. With more countries, cities, teams, and games, FIFA World Cup 26™ will be the most inclusive tournament ever, engaging millions of fans across 16 unique stadiums and billions worldwide. The tournament will take place in June and July 2026. For the latest FIFA World Cup 26™ information please visit the FIFA World Cup 26™ website. For media representatives wishing to stay up-to-date on all things 2026, please register via the FIFA Media Hub.