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Opportunities and Impact Award

The Opportunities and Impact Award recognizes intercollegiate athletics departments and conference offices that implement initiatives, programs, and efforts that elevate student-athlete voices, foster environments of belonging and well-being within the athletic department/conference office and promote cross-campus collaboration to enhance campus culture.

Award recipients demonstrate a consistent and meaningful impact that aligns with and advances the overall mission of their athletics department or conference office.

This award is a collaborative effort between the NCAA and the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA), with one recipient selected from each NCAA division: Division I, Division II, and Division III.

Who's Eligible

  • NCAA member institution or conference office
  • Demonstrates continued commitment sustaining cultures of belonging and well-being
  • Efforts may include programming, initiatives, community engagement and professional development

How to Nominate

Institutions, athletics departments and conference offices submit nominations online through the Program Hub. Self-nominations are welcome; two letters of support are required that highlight positive impact athletic departments or conference offices have had on elevating student-athlete voices, fostering environments of belonging and well-being for student-athletes, coaches and administrators and/or promoting cross-campus collaboration to enhance campus culture.

Nomination packet must include:

  • Completed online form (Program Hub)
  • Two letters of support
    • One letter must come from a program participant
    • One letter must come from a campus or community partner

Quick Guide: How to submit a nomination in Program Hub (PDF)

Quick Guide: Letter of Support (PDF)

Selection Criteria

  • Leadership: visible commitment from top athletics leadership
  • Infrastructure: goals and benchmarks of data that sustain or create cultures of belonging and well-being
  • Evaluation and assessment: ongoing measurement and reflection of goals
  • Education: programs that build community and opportunity for growth
  • Collaboration: effective campus and community partnerships

Award Details

  • Recipients each year: one per division (I, II, III)
  • Recognition: honored at the MOAA Symposium in June