Talent is global, but opportunity is not.

Help Bridge the Divide by Providing Opportunity for Underprivileged Talented Student-Athletes

The CPSAF Scholarship Fund is dedicated to supporting exceptional young athletes who demonstrate both athletic prowess and strong academic potential. Our mission is to provide assistance to those from economically challenged and underserved communities, spanning from local regions to global locations, who do not have the financial means to access premier college preparatory education.

Navigating New Challenges in Collegiate Sports Recruitment

The landscape of collegiate sports recruitment has undergone a seismic shift with the advent of the NCAA Transfer Portal in 2018. This platform, initially intended to provide college athletes with more flexibility in transferring schools, has inadvertently created a new set of challenges for high school athletes aspiring to secure spots in top college programs.

  • While the Transfer Portal has opened doors for college athletes seeking new opportunities, it has also led to an increased preference among college coaches for recruiting experienced players from the portal. These athletes, having already proven themselves at the collegiate level, are often seen as safer bets compared to high school prospects. This trend has significantly diminished the traditional pathway from traditional high school to college sports, making it harder for traditional high school athletes to gain visibility and scholarships from Division I programs.

  • The challenge is further compounded for student-athletes from underprivileged backgrounds who lack access to elite college preparatory schools. These institutions not only provide high-quality athletic training but also crucial academic preparation that makes student-athletes more attractive to college recruiters. Without the resources and exposure offered by these specialized schools, talented athletes from marginalized communities often struggle to stand out in an increasingly competitive environment.

  • This disparity creates a widening gap where only a fraction of student-athletes can realistically pursue their dreams of playing sports at the collegiate level. The situation is particularly disheartening for those who have the talent but not the financial means or the educational support to navigate the intricate recruitment process. Consequently, many promising traditional high school athletes are left on the sidelines, their potential untapped due to circumstances beyond their control.

  • In response to these challenges, the College Prep Student-Athlete Foundation is committed to bridging this divide. We understand that talent is global, but opportunity is not. Our foundation focuses on providing scholarships and support to those who are most impacted by these shifts in the recruitment landscape, ensuring that every talented athlete has a fair chance at success, both in sports and in life.

Wasatch Academy
A Testament to Faith and Opportunity

In a remarkable display of faith and foresight, Wasatch Academy (Mount Pleasant, Utah) took a significant financial leap, betting on Mady Sissoko's potential both as a student and an athlete. Their journey began with discovering Mady in Mali, a move that epitomizes the academy's commitment to nurturing talent regardless of geographical boundaries.

This story isn't just about providing full scholarships; it's about creating an environment where students can wholeheartedly focus on honing their skills and academics, without the burden of financial constraints. At Wasatch Academy, the goal is clear: develop well-rounded collegiate student-athletes, not just athletes. It's a philosophy that invests in futures, not just in the present, transforming promising individuals into leaders both on and off the court.

The Reality of Inequality in Youth Sports

Source: CDC

In the U.S. and beyond, a stark divide in sports participation exists, heavily influenced by economic disparities. In affluent families, 70% of children are involved in sports, compared to just 31% from lower-income households. This "physical divide" not only limits access to the health and social benefits of sports but also diminishes chances for these youths to play at the collegiate level. The CPSAF is committed to addressing this imbalance, ensuring that talent and passion are the only determinants of a young athlete's success.

At present, we proudly support more than a dozen scholars from our Fund, all of whom are making strides at top-tier college prep schools. Every scholarship, valued at $50,000 per year, extends its influence far beyond the individual recipient, potentially impacting up to 15,000 lives through community and societal contributions. Driven by our goal to distribute 100 scholarships, we are committed to creating a vast ripple effect, aiming to enhance the futures of 1.5 million individuals annually.

"The scholarships provided by the CPSAF to our players in need at Anthem Prep have been pivotal in shaping their futures. The generosity and support from this foundation have been unparalleled in fostering both athletic and academic success for our team."

—Marty Haws, Head Coach, Anthem Prep Basketball

Partnership Success Stories

Anthem Preparatory School in Utah

In collaboration with NBA Academy Africa, Giants of Africa, Mountain Stars Basketball, Kenyan Basketball Federation, and Koins for Kenya, Anthem Preparatory School in Utah (Anthem Prep) has helped transform the lives of nine student-athletes from Africa.

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CPSAF-approved institutions

CPSAF approval is based on the Foundation’s network of coaches, agents, recruiters, student-athletes, and parent reviews of culture, athletics, coaches, academics, collegiate exposure, national media, and residential housing.

Although this list features schools approved by CPSAF, the display of a school's logo signifies our endorsement, not necessarily an official partnership with CPSAF.