The Integrated Ecosystem

01

Fundraising and Revenue Strategy


Including the “5-5-5-1” membership drive


02

Marketing and Digital Presence


OCP Global Access Initiative


03

National Research


Motivation, academic success, collective bargaining


04

Strategic Events


NCAA Final Four, Allen Sack National Symposium, Black Student-Athlete Summit


The CKA Virtual Internship Program (CKA VIP)

The CKA Virtual Internship Program (CKA VIP), founded by Dr. Keith Adams, is a specialized professional incubator designed to bridge the "Resume Gap" faced by elite student-athletes. Recognizing that the demands of high-level athletics often prevent students from pursuing traditional internships, the CKA VIP provides an asynchronous, "grace-based" environment that allows athletes to build executive-level portfolios without compromising their athletic commitments.


The program operates on the philosophy that athletes do not need to "find more time," but rather must be taught to "maximize the time they already have."


Benefits

  • Executive portfolio development using the Beyond the Scholarship™ framework

  • Skills applied to business functions

  • Fully asynchronous format

  • Mentorship and professional branding

  • Networking with decision-makers in collegiate athletics

The "Stay Ready" Philosophy

Beyond task execution, the CKA VIP instills a professional mindset essential for career longevity. The program emphasizes that professional success is built on:


"Search firms do not just place people into dream jobs—we identify people who have positioned themselves to be ready when opportunities appear."


By focusing on emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and the ability to solve complex problems, the CKA VIP ensures that participants are not just prepared for their next job, but are equipped to build a sustainable, impactful career.

Mentorship from a Hall of Fame Perspective

Dr. Keith Adams

A professional educator with over 30 years of experience as a coach, Athletic Director, and Founder. Dr. Adams understands "Time Poverty" because he lived it. His "Beyond the Scholarship" framework ensures athletes leave with a high-level executive portfolio, not just a degree.

Roland E. Hairston III (Project Manager)

A University of Washington graduate leader who brings an executive mindset to the lived experience of the modern student-athlete, serving as the bridge between theory and execution.

MEET THE 2026–2027 CKA VIP TEAM

Our Virtual Internship Program (VIP) is a 100% asynchronous professional incubator combating Time Poverty — equipping elite student-athletes with executive-level portfolios without compromising their athletic commitments.

Roland E. Hairston III

Project Manager


University of Washington — executive mindset, bridge between theory and execution

Allison Carolan

Asst. Project Manager


Former college lacrosse player; hands-on leadership, professional development

Sydney Seabrooks

VIP Intern


UNC-Chapel Hill, All-American Gymnastics — project ownership, career-ready skills

Dagny Johnson

VIP Intern


UNC, All-American Fencing — transferable athletic skills in professional contexts

Theadora Rabman

VIP Intern


UNC Women's Tennis — mission-driven; athletes thrive, not just survive

Phoenix Williams

VIP Intern


Mount Saint Mary’s (MD), Baseball, Incoming cohort member

Kayla Ferguson

VIP Intern


Lincoln University (PA), Softball, incoming cohort member

Keri Alexander Luchowski, Executive Director North Coast Athletic Conference

"We are thrilled to partner with Dr. Adams and the CKA SAVE Project. We share the goals of empowering students through rigorous academics and outstanding athletics. Developing the whole student to become a productive and successful citizen is also the Division III goal and we're proud to partner with an organization that has been highlighting the same power of sport. The CKA SAVE Project Balanced Student-Athlete Award is a fantastic way to shine a light on deserving student-athletes from our four conferences, and also to elevate their experience at the Opendorse Bowl Series. And knowing that research opportunities exist with CKA SAVE Project are an added bonus opportunity for our students. This is a fantastic partnership!"

Jim Larranaga, Head Basketball University of Miami

“There is no greater responsibility in life than to help others. Keith Adams and the CKA SAVE Project embody this ideal. His efforts have and will continue to have a positive impact on the young people he works with. His devotion to helping students is a shining example to all of us as to what can be accomplished when you make a total commitment to doing the right thing.”

Dr. Lisa M. Rubin, Associate Professor, Kansas State University

"Dr. Adams' book provides knowledge and stories for prospective college athletes, informed by research on academic and athletic motivation."

Student-Athletes

Build an executive-level portfolio without compromising your athletic commitments

For Institutions

Bring the Un-Internship Series to your conference

One Goal: Balance. One Result:

Success.℠

CKA SAVE Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving student-athletes nationwide, founded in 2009 by Dr. Keith G. Adams, developing student-athletes who are ready for more than the next level.


Building Student-Athletes Who Are Ready for More Than the Next Level.

Silver Spring, Maryland

Serving student-athletes nationwide.


CKA SAVE Project does not guarantee admission to any college, a scholarship, credit transfer, or a professional career. We provide the preparation, development, and support.


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