(Alex Rodriguez: Courtesy Presidente)

Founded in the Dominican Republic back in 1935, Presidente is the number one selling beer of the Caribbean, it’s a symbol of Dominican culture and pride.

In 2020 Alex Rodriguez former New York Yankees slugger, who is also a FOX baseball analyst became a co-owner and chairman Presidente beer, which was acquired by Anheuser-Busch in 2012.

Rodrigues, who was born to Dominican immigrants and spent the majority of his childhood between Miami and the Dominican Republic, says his roots make this partnership more meaningful for him.

“Growing up as a Dominican-American in the US, Presidente was not only a beer, it was part of our community,” Rodrigues said “It connected my parents to their home and was a part of every major community event, big or small.”

And on July 5 Alex Rodriguez announced the next step in that legacy.

Called “Step Up To the Plate” the new initiative looks create more opportunities for Hispanic students interested in a career in sports.

The summer-long program, will help fuel a pipeline of qualified candidates into the business side of the professional sports industry by offering internship and networking opportunities, as well as financial support.

In partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, the ‘Step Up to the Plate’ program has awarded nine deserving students a three-month paid internship working on projects across the business that include a strategic sports focus, in collaboration with the Sports Marketing team at Anheuser-Busch – one of the biggest sponsors in sport for almost 40 years.

In addition to the internship, the program awards each student a grant for living expenses in a combined package worth approximately $15K, as well as the opportunity to join Anheuser-Busch in a full-time role following graduation.

“We recognize that the need to diversify leadership in sports is greater than ever, and as a brand that champions the progression of Hispanic culture, we’re thrilled to announce this program,” said Alex Monroy, Senior Brand Director of Presidente at Anheuser-Busch. “Step Up to the Plate is meant to bridge the gap between accessibility and opportunity for these students.”

Presidente is also giving everyone an opportunity to tune into a virtual Q&A session led by the baseball legend, business mogul and Chairman of Presidente, Alex Rodriguez.

Taking place on July 11, the virtual seminar will be streamed via Instagram live by Alex Rodriguez (@arod) and Presidente (@presidenteUSA)

“I’m excited to be working with Presidente on a program that will fuel greater diversity within the industry,” said Alex Rodriguez. “Hispanic athletes and fans have played a major part of baseball’s success throughout the years, which is why we think it’s vital that we’re represented not just on the field but in the boardrooms as well.”

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(All image credits: Presidente /Anheuser-Busch)