Welcome to the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program

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 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 Leadership Advisory Board and the NCAA national office.

Education Outreach Mission

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.