Program for Student-Athletes Receives NCAA Grant

Ithaca College is one of 56 Division III schools to receive a $5,000 grant from the National Collegiate Athletic Association as part of its Division III Initiative Task Force strategic plan.

The grant was awarded for Ithaca to implement a program called Bombers Are INVOLVED (Intelligently Navigating Volunteer Opportunities and Leadership Values for the Educationally Determined). The program, which is conducted in collaboration with the Office of First Year Programs and Orientation, is designed to help first-year student-athletes become more connected to campus resources by bridging services in student affairs and academic affairs. The first-year student-athletes will work with upperclassmen to learn more about academics, campus life, community living, and leadership development.

The objectives of Bombers Are INVOLVED will be to

• provide initiatives that encourage intellectual as well as social development of first-year students, including developing a personal mission statement, managing time wisely, making healthy nutritional choices, and making personal choices regarding hazing, alcohol and drug use, and homophobia;
• provide a structured approach to learning more about volunteer and leadership development opportunities; and
• offer a chance to work in small groups led by veteran student-athletes to discuss ways to successfully balance academic responsibilities and academic interests.

"We are thrilled to have received the NCAA’s support for this new initiative," says Kristen Ford, director of intercollegiate athletics and recreational sports programs. "I believe this will prove to play an important role in the retention of our first-year students. My thanks go out to Mike Lindberg, associate director of intercollegiate athletics, and Sharon Policello, director of first year programs and orientation, for their leadership in submitting and implementing this effort."