The NAIA Champions of Character Program Receives $20,000 Sprint Foundation Grant

The Sprint Ahead for Education grant program focuses on character education

Posted on 05.13.08

Contact: Staci Schottman, NAIA Director of Public Relations & Communications, sschottman@naia.org, 816-595-8116

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Sprint Foundation awarded the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) a $20,000 grant to support character education and the development of a web based curriculum for the Champions of Character program. The Sprint Foundation grant program funds the initiatives that impact student achievement, family engagement, educator professional development, character education and school safety.

“The NAIA is grateful to the Sprint Foundation for its generous contribution to the Champions of Character program. As a training and education outreach program, Champions of Character provides youth organizations with an effective platform for broad based character development,” said Jim Carr, NAIA President and CEO. “With the support of partners like the Sprint Foundation, Champions of Character will continue to make an impact in the Kansas City metropolitan area and in communities nationwide."

The NAIA’s innovative Champions of Character program is designed to instill an understanding of character values in sport, and provide students, coaches and parents the training to help them know and do the right things, inside and outside the sports setting. The program is dedicated to the principle that character is a choice and that being a champion is not just about winning, but making good decisions consistently in daily life. The mission of Champions of Character is to restore character values and raise a generation of students who understand and demonstrate in everyday decisions respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship.

“The Sprint Foundation grant program is a perfect match for the mission and goal of Champions of Character. With the funds received Champions of Character will grow in scope with web based curriculum that will educate young people and prepare them for life,” said Mike Campbell, NAIA Vice President for Marketing and Corporate Partnerships. “The NAIA is thrilled to partner with the Sprint Foundation to develop character education that will impact thousands through modern day technology.”

Since its creation in 1989, the Sprint Foundation has provided more than $93 million to community organizations across the country. The Sprint Foundation focuses its national efforts on K-12 public education, arts and culture and youth development. The Sprint Foundation creatively and thoughtfully continues the Sprint culture of community engagement. 

The Sprint Foundation grant will help the NAIA take Champions of Character from in person to online and will provide a platform for broad based education to numerous schools and youth organizations throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area. The Sprint Foundation in partnership with the NAIA and Champions of Character recognize the need to intentionally teach character education. To learn more about this partnership and Champions of Character contact Mike Campbell, NAIA Vice President for Marketing and Corporate Partnerships at 816-595-8000 or visit www.championsofcharacter.org. To learn more about the Sprint Foundation visit www.sprint.com. 

About the NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.

Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association’s innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves. To learn more visit www.naia.org or www.championsofcharacter.org.