Posted on December 30th, 2025 

Beyond the Scholarship: 

A Vision for the "Perfect World" of Student-Athletics

A Letter from Dr. Keith Adams, President of the CKA SAVE Project

I was recently asked a question that stopped me in my tracks: "What would the CKA SAVE Project look like to you in a perfect world?"

For years, we have operated as a vital resource for student-athletes. But in a perfect world, the CKA SAVE Project is more than just a resource—it is the premier partner for holistic student-athlete development.

In this vision, no athlete is forced to choose between their sport and their resume. The fear of "life after sports" disappears because the preparation begins the moment they step onto the field. We aren't just helping students play; we are helping them lead.

The CKA SAVE Project stands at a pivotal moment. Over the past few years, we have seen the incredible impact of bridging the gap between athletic grit and career success. Today, we are ready to take that impact to a national scale.

Here is our roadmap to making that world a reality—and how you can join the team. 

The Problem: The "Resume Gap"

Student-athletes possess the grit, discipline, and drive that every employer craves. However, the grueling demands of training, travel, and competition often make traditional internships impossible. This creates a "scheduling gap" that leaves many talented individuals scrambling to catch up after graduation.

The result? Athletes who dominated on the field find themselves benched in the job market. 

The Solution: The "Game Changer" Virtual Internship

To bridge this gap, we are expanding our Virtual Internship Program. It is the definitive solution for athletes who refuse to compromise on their career preparation:

• 100% Virtual & Asynchronous: Professional development that fits around practice schedules and road trips
• Real-World Experience: Building portfolios in sports marketing, advocacy, and organizational leadership
• Earn While You Learn: We value our athletes' time with stipends ($300 for high school; up to $1,200 for collegiate) 

A Community for Everyone: Our New Membership Tiers

In a perfect world, support isn't reserved for the star player—it's available to the entire ecosystem. We are officially rolling out our 2026 Membership Tiers and Partnership Opportunities to ensure parents, coaches, and community leaders all have a seat at the table. 

For Individuals & Families

Student Membership ($25/year): Essential support featuring Resource Library access, our monthly newsletter, and event discounts

Legacy Membership ($100/year): All Student benefits plus exclusive invitations to our annual Athlete Achievement Celebrations

All-Star Supporter ($250/year): Includes a free guest pass to events and an invitation to the exclusive "Legacy Talk" leadership event

Hall of Fame Circle ($500/year): High-impact support featuring a personalized annual impact report and a featured success story 

For Teams & Schools

We help athletic directors and coaches transfer "on-field grit" into "classroom production."

Team Membership ($500/year): Equip your roster with 10 Student Memberships, 1 Coach Membership, and a team-specific virtual workshop/Q&A led by CKA experts

Middle/High School Partner ($1,500/year): A comprehensive solution for schools. Includes 25 Student Memberships, benefits for 10 staff members, and a full-team virtual training session (Mental Wellness or Leadership)

College/University Partner ($3,000/year): The ultimate institutional alignment. Includes 50 Student Memberships, benefits for 20 staff members, and a virtual department-wide training session to instill the CKA framework across your campus 

The Power of $25/Month: Choose Your Impact

Here's what makes our approach unique: we believe our supporters should know exactly where their investment goes. That's why we're inviting you to choose both a membership tier and a small monthly contribution dedicated to a specific project.

For just $25/month, you can choose exactly where your "change" goes:

Sponsor a Virtual Intern: A $25/month donation makes one monthly intern payment over the course of the year, giving a student-athlete invaluable professional experience.

Fuel the "Odd Coaches" Podcast: Just $25/month pays for two weeks worth of shows over the course of the year, sharing our message with a national audience.

Provide a "Find the Balance" Grant: $25/month pays for one Grant over the course of the year ($250 stipend + a class set of books) to help an athlete find their footing.

Support Administrative Operations ($500/month needed): Insurance, taxes, and operational stability that keep our mission moving forward. 

The Goal: Finding the Balance

Our mission remains clear: Find the Balance.

Through my book Finding the Balance, our upcoming project Lessons in Leadership, our ongoing research into student-athlete mental wellness, and the candid conversations on the Odd Coaches Podcast, we are building a world where athletic pursuit and academic success are allies, not adversaries.

The Odd Coaches Podcast has become a cornerstone of our mission—a platform where we challenge conventional thinking and provide real talk about the realities facing today's student-athletes, coaches, and families. Each episode features honest conversations about the college and professional sports world, as well as in-depth conversations about such things as NIL, the Transfer Portal, mental health, and life after sports, ensuring our community stays informed and empowered. 

Join the Gold Standard

The CKA SAVE Project is transitioning from a resource provider to a partner in your success. Whether you are a student, parent, coach, or business leader, we need you on the roster.

Our vision is ambitious: to transform into a fully sustained, nationally recognized organization. Your support is more than a donation; it is an investment in the next generation of leaders. Whether you choose an annual membership, a $25 monthly commitment, or both, you are helping us empower student-athletes to win at life. 

Ready to Join the Movement?

Become a Member of the CKA SAVE Project Today

Visit www.ckasaveproject.org and click the Donate tab to select your membership level or set up monthly giving to support a specific CKA initiative.

Together, we can build a world where every student-athlete finds the balance between athletic glory and lifelong success.

Thank you for being part of our journey from a regional non-profit to a national leader. Together, we are changing the game.

Dr. Keith Adams is the President of the CKA SAVE Project and author of Finding the Balance. Connect with him and the CKA community at www.ckasaveproject.org.