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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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 are proud to support ten scholar-athletes from Africa through our Fund, each making significant strides at top-tier college prep schools. While we aim to provide scholarships valued at up to $50,000 per year, the impact of each extends far beyond the individual scholar, with the potential to influence up to 15,000 lives through community and societal contributions. With the goal of distributing up to 100 scholarships, we are committed to creating a vast ripple effect, aspiring to enhance the futures of 1.5 million individuals annually.
"The scholarships pledged by CPSAF to our players in need have played a crucial role in shaping their futures. The generosity and support from this foundation have been instrumental in fostering both athletic and academic success for our team, and we are deeply grateful for their ongoing commitment to helping our athletes thrive."
—Marty Haws, Executive Head Coach, Mountain Stars (UAA)
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.