The Jockeys’ Guild Education Foundation (JGEF) is taking an important step toward helping jockeys prepare for their futures, launching a new Academic Success Program while beginning to accept scholarship applications and securing official 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
Since the Foundation was launched in April, Executive Director and Hall of Fame jockey Ramon Dominguez has traveled to racetracks across the country to meet directly with riders and better understand their educational needs and career aspirations.
Dominguez has visited jockeys’ quarters at Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Laurel Park, Charles Town, Delaware Park, Finger Lakes and Saratoga Race Course. As part of the initiative, the Foundation surveyed Jockeys’ Guild members about their educational backgrounds and future career interests.
A total of 267 individuals completed the survey, revealing significant interest in continuing education. Riders expressed interest in opportunities ranging from GED programs and equine-related studies to vocational training and professional trade certifications.
“It has been nice to connect with so many jockeys this summer,” Dominguez said. “We know formal education ends when most jockeys begin riding, but it has been great to hear their individual stories and hopes for the future.”
Dominguez also credited the Lavin Family Foundation for recognizing the educational challenges facing jockeys and helping create opportunities for riders both during and after their careers.
“Receiving the 501(c)(3) approval so quickly after applying has increased everyone’s enthusiasm and hopes for the future,” he added.
An Eight-Week Program Designed for Jockeys
Based on the survey findings, JGEF has partnered with Bluegrass Community and Technical College’s Workforce Solutions department to introduce an eight-week online course designed specifically to help jockeys strengthen the foundational skills needed to pursue additional education.
The introductory course focuses on developing academic skills, improving digital literacy and preparing participants for career-specific educational opportunities.
Twelve jockeys are enrolled in the inaugural class.
After completing the program, participants will have the opportunity to pursue career-specific courses or programs at the educational institution of their choice, with scholarship funding available through the Jockeys’ Guild Education Foundation.
The initiative is already extending beyond the introductory program. One active jockey has applied to and been accepted by Lincoln Technical College, where the rider is currently pursuing an HVAC certification.
Interest in the program is growing quickly. Scholarship and academic program applications became available in mid-August, and 33 jockeys have already applied.
The Race for Education Joins the Initiative
The Race for Education, a longtime supporter of educational programs within the horse racing industry, has donated 10 computers for jockeys who otherwise would not have access to the technology necessary to participate.
“Education is empowering, and this program will benefit jockeys while they are riding and help ensure their success after the races,” said Elisabeth Jensen, President and Co-Founder of The Race for Education. “This aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are proud to play a role in the program’s success.”
Building Opportunities Beyond the Finish Line
Initial funding for the Jockeys’ Guild Education Foundation, including startup expenses, scholarships and administrative costs, has been provided by the Lavin Family Foundation, while JGEF operates with the support of the Jockeys’ Guild’s existing administrative infrastructure.
The Foundation’s newly approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status represents another significant milestone. The designation allows JGEF to accept tax-deductible contributions and creates opportunities for future grants, donations and partnerships across the racing industry.
“The Lavin Family Foundation is proud to lead this effort to expand educational opportunities for jockeys,” said Craig Bernick, President of the Lavin Family Foundation. “Education is a core pillar of our work because it is one of the most effective means of empowerment.”
Bernick emphasized that those opportunities can make an impact not only during a jockey’s riding career but also when the time comes to transition into a new profession.
“That applies to jockeys while they are actively riding and in the years following when they hang up their tack,” he said. “We are excited to support this first group and help grow these opportunities across the industry.”
For an occupation in which many athletes dedicate themselves to racing from an early age, the Jockeys’ Guild Education Foundation is seeking to create something increasingly important: a pathway toward education, new skills and career opportunities that extend far beyond the racetrack.
About the Jockey’s Guild Education Foundation
The Jockeys’ Guild Education Foundation (JGEF), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, addresses a critical and longstanding gap in the horse racing industry — the lack of structured educational support for the jockeys. Its mission is to advance and encourage career opportunity and personal growth through educational scholarships for qualifying active and retired Jockeys’ Guild members and permanently disabled jockeys. JGEF was established through a partnership between The Lavin Family Foundation, Glen Hill Farm, and the Jockeys’ Guild. The organization is operating under the Guild’s infrastructure, maintaining independence while leveraging established organizational resources.
About the Jockeys’ Guild
Jockeys’ Guild, Inc. is the organization representing professional jockeys in Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing in the United States. It was founded in May 1940 and has approximately 1,050 members, including active, retired and disabled jockeys. The purpose is to protect jockeys, strive to achieve a safer racing environment, obtain improved insurance and other benefits for members and to monitor developments in local, state and federal laws affecting the racing industry, and in particular, the jockeys. For more information about the Guild,
visit http://www.jockeysguild.com or http://www.facebook.com/jockeysguild.
About The Lavin Family Foundation
The Lavin Family Foundation is committed to expanding educational opportunities for underserved communities. Its portfolio of impact includes Enchanted Backpack , CC’s Wish List , and educational initiatives at multiple universities and not-for-profit organizations, collectively impacting over 200,000 individuals.
Media Contact: Ramon Dominguez, (513) 655-JGEF (513-655-5433), email: Ramon@JGEF.org
About The Author
