Center for Sport Leadership Assistant Professor and Director of Inclusive Excellence Yannick Kluch, Ph.D. is part of two research teams that have been awarded grants to expand work in racial equity in college athletics. Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics has selected a study entitled: Creating C.H.A.M.P.S. on Campus (Certificate for Helping Athletes from Minoritized Groups Prosper & Succeed): A Research Proposal for the Development of An Inclusive Leadership Program Designed for Racially Minoritized Student-Athletes’ Success at Predominantly White Institutions. Dr. Kluch collaborated with VCU colleague Tomika Ferguson, Ph.D. and Raquel Wright-Mair, Ph.D. from Rowan University. This project explores the impact of a first-of-its-kind inclusive leadership certificate program designed specifically for minoritized student-athletes, to help them navigate the unique challenges they will encounter at a predominantly white institution and emerge as leadersacademically, athletically, and professionally. The research will share $100,000 in funding with other grant recipients.
The Knight Commission, founded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation in 1989, is an independent group that leads transformational change to prioritize college athletes’ education, health, safety and success.
The second grant was awarded by the Atlantic Coast Conference as part of their inaugural Innovation Initiative Small Grant Program. The purpose of the grant program is to fund research examining issues related to college athletics administration. Kluch and his colleagues submitted a study called How Can Student-Athletes Utilize Their Media Platforms for Systemic Change? Developing an Evidence-Based Leadership Program for Strategic Social Justice Communication. The award is $5,166.