For Laurie Scott of the Great Strides Equestrian Foundation, the biggest impact of escorting a group of teenage students to Saratoga Race Course as part of the New York Racing Association’s, Inc. (NYRA) Leg Up! program, didn’t happen on the day of their visit.

The impact came days later when Scott realized the students were still buzzing about the races and meeting people from across NYRA – and most of all, about the range of job opportunities in horse racing.

“What really hit home for them was the idea that the equine industry could lead to a job and maybe even a career,” said Scott, whose foundation helps to provides under-resourced teens access to equestrian sports and polo. “Seeing what goes on at a racetrack and talking with people who make a living there helped put them in a career mindset, and the idea that there’s no time like the present to begin thinking about what you might want to do five or 10 years down the road.”

Launched by NYRA in 2024, Leg Up! is designed to educate students, ages 12-to-19, about career opportunities both at NYRA and across thoroughbred racing. In recent months, NYRA has steadily ramped up the program by hosting students from schools near its two downstate locations, Aqueduct Racetrack and Belmont Park. On track, the students discuss potential careers with NYRA management, visit the stewards stand, jockey room and paddock, and watch a race from the winner’s circle.

“I’m continually blown away at the great questions students ask about a range of industry topics. We have discussed what makes racing in New York unique as compared to the rest of the country, the reasons behind rebuilding Belmont Park and more nuanced topics regarding the operations of such big facilities,” said NYRA Senior Vice President, Racing and Operations Andrew Offerman. “We’re connecting with a lot of people in our communities who never really interacted with the track before. They’re seeing that a lot goes into making racing function – and that there are opportunities for everyone in this industry.”

To date, more than 200 young people have visited Saratoga, Belmont and Aqueduct as part of the program with upwards of 50 staffers volunteering their time and expertise. Leg Up! participants are given surveys that rate their day at the track, and the reviews are exceedingly positive:

• 95 percent of students said they met professionals they otherwise would not have;
• 82 percent said the program expanded their awareness and interest in opportunities within the industry; and,
• 79 percent said that they were not previously aware of opportunities within the horse racing industry for careers or involvement.

Starting last fall, NYRA has hosted students groups from John Adams High School in Jamaica, N.Y., as well as Epic High School South in South Ozone Park and Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn. Meantime, students from the Automotive Technology program at Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park visited the backstretch at Belmont Park, where the rebuilt track is due to open in 2026.

The itinerary of each student group varies according to the educational interests of attendees. A recent visit to Aqueduct included 30 students from John Adams High School, who met with Offerman as well as representatives from various NYRA departments, including communications, racing, marketing and NYRA Bets.

“Our students had a valuable experience during the visit,” said Denis Dwyer, a school counselor at John Adams. “Many were surprised by the wide range of career opportunities available in horse racing. The team at NYRA really helped our students envision their futures.”

Gabriela LoMacchio, a John Adams teacher and Director of the school’s Business Smaller Learning Community, who also attended the field trip, hopes the connection with NYRA marks the beginning of a lasting partnership. “The students connected with the role models they met at NYRA,” she said. ‘We would love for that kind of access to continue.”

While NYRA will continue to offer one-day visits, the organization is committed to growing the scope and impact of the Leg Up! program. Robert Hines, NYRA Manager of Community Affairs added, “We are excited to expand our offerings to other members of our community including military veterans and elementary school students. The next step is to create workforce opportunities for our communities and work-based learning projects that engage students more consistently.”

To learn more or register for the NYRA Leg Up! Program, contact Robert Hines at rhines@nyrainc.com.