Know any outstanding NAIA Student Athletes?

In 2007, the American Red Cross, the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) and State Farm Insurance established the innovative Red Cross/NAIA Collegiate Leadership Program. The program is intended to exemplify core values of the NAIA Champions of Character program, inspire a new generation of Red Cross volunteers and leaders, promote diversity on Red Cross Blood Region boards of directors, foster leadership opportunities, champion a philanthropic cause, and impact local communities.

Currently we are looking for potential participants to represent the local area in the 2012-2013 program. Participating students learn how to organize successful campus blood drives, actively participate on a leadership board and take part in diversity and cultural competency training. Applications and complete details can be found here and are due on November 1st, 2011. Here are the basics of this incredible opportunity:

What does the program involve?
• Participate in the Red Cross/NAIA Collegiate Leadership Academy in Washington, D.C., June 4-15, 2012. Student-athletes acquire first-hand coaching, mentoring and professional leadership training presented by senior leadership at the Red Cross.
• Organize at least 2-4 Red Cross blood drives on campus.
• Serve on the Red Cross Board of the local Blood Region.
• Serve as a NAIA student-athlete representative for Champions of Character.

Who is eligible?
• Current freshman or sophomore student athletes in good academic standing at an NAIA Institution (In Oregon this includes Concordia, Corban, EOU, NW Christian, OIT, SOU, and Warner Pacific)

What are the benefits?
• A $2,000 scholarship provided by the Red Cross and State Farm Insurance.
• Roundtrip transportation to Washington, D.C., room, board and a stipend for the Leadership Academy.
• An opportunity to learn from top Red Cross and NAIA representatives.

For more information, visit the program website or check out our feature on Eastern Oregon's Jessica Lea, from the 2010 class.

Photo courtesy of www.championsofcharacter.org