CHAMPS/Life Skills History

In 1991, the NCAA Foundation initiated efforts to create a total development program for student-athletes. Through the collaborative efforts of the NCAA Foundation and the Division 1-A Athletic Directors' Association, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program (Challenging Athletes Minds for Personal Success) was created.

In 1994, after several years of development by the NCAA Foundation, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program was launched to the NCAA membership. That summer 46 NCAA institutions participated in the first orientation for administrators from around the country. Since then, approximately 50 member institutions have joined the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program each year. 

Today, the NCAA Education Outreach staff oversees the development of the program, offering services, support and programs to participating institutions throughout the year. The CHAMPS/Life Skills Program is supported through the promotional and financial efforts of the NCAA Foundation and the NCAA national office.

The CHAMPS/Life Skills Program advisory team was created to help with programming initiatives and planning for the annual Orientation and Continuing Education Conferences. The twelve-member advisory team is made up of a diverse group of coordinators representing all NCAA divisions from different regions of the country.

"Inherently, each one of us has the substance within to achieve whatever our goals and dreams define. What is missing from each of us is the training, education, knowledge and insight to utilize what we already have."

                   - Mark Twain

The mission of the NCAA is to maintain intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the campus educational program and the athlete as an integral part of the student body. With this in mind, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program was created to support the student development initiatives of its member institutions and to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience within the university setting.

In the process of achieving this mission, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program will:

• Support efforts of every student-athlete toward intellectual development and graduation.       
• Use athletics as preparation for success in life.       
• Meet the changing needs of student-athletes.       
• Promote respect for diversity among student-athletes.       
• Enhance interpersonal relationships in the lives of student-athletes.       
• Assist student-athletes in building positive self-esteem.       
• Enable student-athletes to make meaningful contributions to their communities.       
• Promote ownership by the student-athletes of their academic, athletic, personal and social responsibilities.       
• Enhance partnerships between the NCAA, member institutions and their communities for the purpose of education.       
• Encourage the development of leadership skills.

  Participating institutions in the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program are provided with instructional materials and supplemental resources, which support a student-athlete's development in five areas: academics, athletics, personal development, career development and community service. 

   

  CHAMPS/Life Skills Program Commitment Statements Commitment to Academic Excellence To support the academic progress of the student-athlete toward intellectual development and graduation.  Commitment to Athletic Excellence To build philosophical foundations for the development of athletic programs that are broad-based, equitable and dedicated to the well-being of the student-athlete.  Commitment to Personal Development To support the development of a well-balanced lifestyle for student-athletes, encouraging emotional well-being, personal growth and decision-making skills.  Commitment to Career Development To encourage the student-athlete to develop and pursue career and life goals.  Commitment to Service To engage the student-athlete in service to his or her campus and surrounding communities.

   

  Resources Available
  
  A successful CHAMPS/Life Skills Program reflects the nature and personality of the campus environment, its department of athletics, and the unique needs of its student-athletes. For this reason, the program requires a significant commitment from participating institutions and conference offices.

  To help meet this commitment, each participating institution is provided instructional materials, adaptable to each campus program. Materials provided to each institution include:

• A needs assessment instrument to assist a participating institution in determining the priority of its student-athletes' needs.     
• A program administration guide that includes information addressing various administrative issues as well as program evaluation instruments.     
• Online guides that include teaching materials that were developed by nationally recognized providers of customized training, organizations and/or associations, and include established program models.     
• Supplemental materials to support the instructional materials (e.g., videotapes, CD-ROMs, and posters).
  • Critical issues Poster
    
  • CHAMPS/Life Skills Program Brochure
    
  • "Show Me the Money" - NCAA opportunities for scholarships, awards and professional development    
    
  • Stay in Bounds Material - Have you ever sent your student-athletes to speak at a school or youth group, and they had no clue what to say?  This joint program with the NCAA Stay in Bounds Program will provide a framework for your student-athlete presentations.  You can use it for a year-long program with the same school or have each student-athlete present a specific RICHER principle as part of a total program on a one-time visit.  Pre-visit worksheets and preparation materials are included.
  
  

Development Opportunities

At least one representative from each new institution must attend the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program Orientation where the participants exchange ideas, network, and are placed in teams to develop plans to implement the programs on their campuses. The Orientation precedes the Continuing Education Conference each February.

In addition to the Orientation, there is an annual CHAMPS/ Life Skills Program Continuing Education Conference that introduces institutions to new materials, provides supplemental program assistance and assists in improving the effectiveness of the campus CHAMPS/Life Skills Programs. This is a great opportunity for coordinators to exchange programming ideas and focus on personal and professional development. The Continuing Education Conference is held each February. 

Every CHAMPS/Life Skills institution is invited to nominate a student-athlete to attend the annual NCAA Leadership Conference held in the spring. At the NCAA Leadership Conference, student-athletes are able to use the experience of their involvement in the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program to critically assess issues that affect them as student-athletes. The conference is a great tool to help sharpen the skills of student-athlete leaders and increase their involvement in campus programs.

©2005 The National Collegiate Athletic Association