FAMU Students Selected for Prestigious USGA Pathways Discover Program
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Two Florida A&M University students were selected for the United States Golf Association's (USGA) 2026 Pathways Discover Program, a highly competitive internship experience held during the 126th U.S. Open Championship.
Hannah Kirby, a broadcast journalism student, and Kennedy Richardson, a public relations student, both from FAMU's School of Journalism & Graphic Communication (SJGC), were among just 25 undergraduate and graduate students selected from a record pool of 782 applicants representing 44 states and nine countries.
"I found out I was selected for the program while walking on campus and receiving a phone call from Ms. Kamille Ramos," Kirby said. "I was so excited I didn't know what to do. I knew the program was selective, but I didn't realize how selective it was until I got that call. To be one of 25 selected from 782 applicants meant being seen."
Richardson said learning she had been selected was equally memorable.
"When I first got the call that I had been selected for the 2026 USGA Pathways Discover Program, it felt unreal," Richardson said. "The program is highly competitive, so being one of 25 selected from nearly 782 applicants was truly a blessing. It was a reminder that I'm exactly where I need to be."
The selection places the students among an elite group of future professionals who gained behind-the-scenes access to one of the world's premier sporting events while exploring careers in communications, technology, business leadership, hospitality, player services and championship operations.
"The selection of two School of Journalism & Graphic Communication students for the highly competitive USGA Pathways Discover Program speaks volumes about both the talent of our students and the intentional preparation they receive," said Mira Lowe, dean of the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication. "Our students are not only academically strong, but they also possess the skills and confidence needed to compete on a national level."
The 10-day immersive experience took place June 12-22 during the U.S. Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York. Participants engaged in executive leadership sessions, mentorship opportunities, networking events, department-shadowing experiences and visits with industry partners, including Deloitte and NBCUniversal.
For both students, the experience provided exposure to a new side of the sports industry while expanding their professional networks.
"I wanted to diversify my experience in sports and learn more about golf," Richardson said. "I wanted to expand beyond football and basketball and explore other areas of the industry. I now have a new love for the game of golf and look forward to learning even more."
Kirby said the experience reinforced lessons she learned as a student at FAMU.
"The School of Journalism & Graphic Communication prepared me by always teaching me that I belong in the room," Kirby said. "I don't believe in imposter syndrome. I'm here for a reason, and I will make that reason known. I gained a lot of knowledge over those 10 days, and that's all I could ever ask for as the curious individual I am. I look forward to staying in contact with my cohort and the professionals I connected with."
Lowe said experiential learning opportunities help bridge the gap between classroom instruction and professional practice.
"These experiences place our students in real-world environments where they apply their knowledge, build meaningful networks and gain firsthand insight into industry expectations. At SJGC, we view these immersive programs as transformative, preparing our students to lead and innovate in today's evolving media landscape."
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu
