Key facts
- Award
- Top three finalist for 2026 NACDA Community Service Award
- Student athletes involved
- Nearly 400
- Community service hours
- 3,399
- Local programs
- 33
- Economic impact
- More than $118,000
- Youth development focus
- Programs include Beautiful Lives Project, school mentoring, National Girls and Women in Sports Day, and STEAM
Background
NIU’s Student Athlete Academic Support Services has been recognized for organizing civic initiatives for NIU student athletes and was named a top three finalist for the 2026 NACDA Community Service Award presented by the Fiesta Bowl. Alongside Boise State and winner Rutgers University, NIU advanced through the top 10 and top five before being invited to present to the selection committee.
The recognition stems from the university’s commitment to the concept of “communiversity.” During the 2025-26 academic year, nearly 400 Huskie student athletes dedicated 3,399 community service hours across 33 local programs, generating a local economic impact of more than $118,000.
Current situation
NIU student athletes participated in several programs supporting local youth and the community. Four athletic programs worked with the Family Service Agency’s Little Campers Program, which focuses on social-emotional learning, creativity, and outdoor adventures led by trained mental health professionals. Student athletes engaged in activities ranging from sport instruction to reading and crafts with campers.
The Beautiful Lives Project, which first partnered with NIU football in 2019, hosted more than 100 participants at most events nationwide. This year, the NIU women’s basketball team hosted around 80 students with disabilities from local school districts, teaching them basketball skills and giving them the opportunity to play on the court.
The School Mentoring Program, active since fall 2009, expanded from a middle school mentor program to include a local elementary school. This past year, NIU Athletics placed 20 student athletes at Clinton-Rosette Middle School in DeKalb and West Elementary School in Sycamore. Student athletes also volunteered in the DeKalb/NIU STEAM Program, leading team sports, fitness challenges, and skill-building drills for middle school students.
In addition, 64 student athletes participated in the National Girls and Women in Sport Day Clinic, leading six stations of their respective sports for 73 participants.
| Program | Participants | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Beautiful Lives Project | Around 80 students with disabilities | Women's basketball hosted event |
| School Mentoring Program | 20 student athletes placed | Clinton-Rosette Middle School and West Elementary School |
| National Girls and Women in Sport Day | 64 student athletes, 73 participants | Six stations of respective sports |
| DeKalb/NIU STEAM Program | Middle school students | Team sports, fitness challenges, skill-building drills |
Impacts
The community service initiatives have a direct impact on local youth and community organizations. Programs like the Beautiful Lives Project provide students with disabilities the chance to learn sports and build confidence, while the School Mentoring Program strengthens bonds between NIU and local school districts, creating pride within the community.
The economic impact of the student athletes’ service is estimated at more than $118,000 for the local area. The programs also offer student athletes opportunities to serve as mentors and role models, as highlighted by Emilie Sorensen of NIU Women’s Basketball, who said serving the communities around NIU has been fun and allows the team to connect and give back.
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If NIU continues its community engagement efforts, it may remain a strong contender for future NACDA awards. The university could expand existing programs, such as the School Mentoring Program, to additional schools if demand continues to grow.
Should funding or partnerships change, the scope of these initiatives could be affected. However, the demonstrated commitment from student athletes and staff suggests that community service will remain a priority for NIU Athletics in the coming years.
Source: niutoday.info
