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 1A 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 40 member institutions have joined the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program each year. 

Today, the NCAA Educational Affairs 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 Leadership Advisory Board and the NCAA national office. 
 

CHAMPS/Life Skills Advisory Team

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 thirteen-member advisory team is made up of a diverse group of coordinators representing all NCAA divisions from different regions of the country. The team meets biannually to discuss current campus issues and strategies related to student-athlete development.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CHAMPS/Life Skills Model Conference Office Document Now Available

The CHAMPS/Life Skills Model Conference Office Document document is intended to serve as a roadmap for conference offices to implement or enhance their involvement in the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program. The document provides information about administering a conference office CHAMPS/Life Skills program and supporting the life skills efforts of member institutions. 

The view the Model Conference Office document click here.

CHAMPS/Life Skills Conference and Workshop Registration Now Open

Registration for the 2009 CHAMPS/Life Skills Orientation Satellite Workshops and 2010 CHAMPS/Life Skills Orientation and Continuing Education Conferences is now open on the CHAMPS/Life Skills Coordinator password-protected site. 

Please note that these conferences are only open to individuals working with a CHAMPS/Life Skills program at NCAA member institutions or conference offices.

2010 CHAMPS/Life Skills Orientation and Continuing Education Conference Location

We are pleased to announce that the 2010 Orientation Conference (February 8-9) and the Continuing Education Conference (February 9-11) will take place in beautiful Tampa, Florida!  

New CHAMPS/Life Skills Orientation Satellite Workshops offered in fall 2009

The NCAA will be hosting several one-day Orientation workshops at various locations across the country in the fall of 2009. The satellite workshops provide institutions and conference offices that are not yet members of the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program with additional opportunities to join by attending an Orientation event. The workshops are also a great learning opportunity for staff members who are new to working with the Program at a current CHAMPS/Life Skills member institution or conference office.

Click here for additional information about the CHAMPS/Life Skills Orientation Satellite Workshops.