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."
The CKA VIP program replaces passive observation with active responsibility. Interns lead critical functions across four high-impact areas:
Executing real-world donor campaigns, including the “5-5-5-1” membership drive, to support student-athlete advocacy.
Directing social media strategies and producing high-level content for the Odd Coaches Podcast (OCP) Global Access Initiative.
Conducting analysis on student-athlete motivation, academic success, and the evolution of collective bargaining in collegiate sports.
Serving as on-site leads for major national initiatives, such as the NCAA Final Four, the Allen Sack National Symposium, and the Black Student-Athlete Summit.
The VIP program is designed to transform the student-athlete experience into a professional launchpad through:
Utilizing Dr. Adams' "Beyond the Scholarship" framework to ensure students graduate with tangible, high-level professional results.
Identifying and refining skills learned in the weight room and on the field, applying them directly to professional business functions.
Through its 100% asynchronous structure, the program accommodates the volatile schedules of elite athletic life.
Receiving guidance from seasoned leaders like Dr. Keith Adams, while building a professional narrative that resonates with search firms and future employers.
Gaining access to thought leaders and decision-makers within the collegiate athletics industry, positioning themselves as "ready" for career opportunities upon graduation.
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.
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.
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.
"Dr. Adams trusts his interns to be responsible for their assigned projects... This allows us to strengthen skills that are vital for our future careers."
"I didn’t realize how transferable my athletic skills were until I joined this program."
"CKA matters because the people behind it genuinely care about helping athletes thrive, not just survive."
"This opportunity allows me to gain hands-on experience while finding my own professional path."
Whether you are an athlete looking to bridge the gap or a partner looking to support the next generation of leaders, the movement starts here.
The cheering stops eventually. We’re making sure our athletes are ready for what comes next. Visit: www.ckasaveproject.org