Thunder Fellows Program accepting applications for 5th cohort

The Thunder Fellows program is now accepting applications for its fifth cohort for the 2025-26 academic year, offering students opportunities to explore careers in sports, entertainment and technology.

The free, after-school initiative—founded by the Oklahoma City Thunder—continues to focus on college and career readiness for Black-identifying high school juniors, seniors and college undergraduates.

A Program Built on Opportunity

“We are based here in Tulsa, OK, started by the Oklahoma City Thunder, and we are all about college and career readiness,” said Cedric Ikpo, executive director of the Thunder Fellows program. “We’re getting our students ready with technical and soft skill development, exposure to real-world situations and businesses with the goal of unlocking career opportunities in sports, entertainment and the technology industries.”

Semester-Based Structure to Serve More Students

This year, the program has shifted from a 30-week school-year model to separate semester offerings for high school students, which will allow more students to participate throughout the year.

“We’ll be able to increase the number of students that we work with over the course of the year,” Ikpo said. “We’re also growing the number of students per cohort, both in the high school and college side.”

Applications close Sunday, June 8. The program runs from August 2025 through April 2026 and is split into fall and spring semesters.

Hands-On Learning and Real-World Connections

Participants gain access to technical training, mentors, and a professional network that often leads to internships and job placements.

“They gain mentors, peer and professional networking, exposure to jobs and careers and academic concentrations that help steer them toward success,” Ikpo said. “The big thing is career placement. From internships and micro-internships, dozens of our fellows and alumni have received those, several with the Oklahoma City Thunder business and basketball operations groups.”

Students also enjoy unique incentives, such as attending Thunder games and meeting players.

“It’s some unique experiences and exposure,” Ikpo said. “One of the key special lanes that we have is working with the Oklahoma City Thunder... and rubbing shoulders with some special people.”

Broad Mentorship from Industry Professionals

The program connects students with mentors across several industries, including many beyond what’s visible on the court.

“When people think about sports and entertainment, a lot of times it’s about what’s on the field or on the court or in front of the camera,” Ikpo said. “But there are so many different job opportunities that exist—you think about marketing, human resources, legal, social media—you name it.”

Celebrating Long-Term Impact

Now in its fifth year, the Thunder Fellows program is seeing its early participants graduate from college and begin their professional journeys.

“This is graduation season... a little over a dozen folks have walked the stage this season, both on the high school side and those graduating college,” Ikpo said. “Several of those students are talking about the jobs that they’re able to secure these days, so definitely a full-circle moment.”

Ikpo emphasized the importance of helping students make meaningful industry connections.

“It’s one thing to know some things, but then it’s also a great thing to get connected with folks who can help elevate their profile and get them on the path to success,” he said. “We’re just happy to be a part of it.”

How to Apply and Learn More

Applications for the Thunder Fellows program are due by Sunday, June 8. An open house will be held on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the program’s facility in downtown, 222 N Detroit Ave..

To apply, visit OKCThunder.com/fellows/enrollment.