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OpEd: Value of NJCAA Intercollegiate Programs - But for Athletics!
OpEd: Value of NJCAA Intercollegiate Programs - But for Athletics!
Dr. Christopher J. Parker
President & CEO / National Junior College Athletic Association
The value of NJCAA athletics in community colleges is simple! "But for athletics," what are you missing out on? In this case, you are missing out on enrollment strategies, college publicity, community outreach, diversity, and challenging the status quo!
When it comes to enrollment strategies, athletic programs are being used to fill open seats that already exist in current college classrooms. Initially starting athletic programs or adding more sports is a simple and quick process that does not take the length of time that it does to start a new academic program. These students are recruited, retained, and graduated at a higher percentage than the general student body overall. But understanding who these students are is a critical piece of the puzzle. Current data shows a significant number of students from different ethnicities and backgrounds with 28% of NJCAA student-athletes identifying as African American and 14% identifying as Hispanic-Latino. "But for athletics," would these students be on your campus? Just as important, the same data shows that nearly 30% of all NJCAA student-athletes are first-generation college students. This leads to generational change for decades to follow all because of the notion, "But for Athletics!"
Let's take it a step further and understand that bringing students into your area is more than just an enrollment opportunity, it also adds economic value to your community because these individuals will now be living and operating within the same community structure. "But for athletics," how many of these individuals would come into your community, as well as how many local students would you retain locally versus going away to other colleges or communities? NJCAA athletics is a key piece of that puzzle that engages students of all kinds from all backgrounds. There are more than 5,000 international students competing in the NJCAA today. These student-athletes often bring cultural opportunities right to their campuses that many other students would typically never experience, thus truly rounding out the social experience for two-year college students.
It's important to understand that two-year college student-athletes are going to be highly engaged in the community as community service is expected from nearly all 500+ NJCAA institutions. These young men and women give back two-fold to the communities that support them; however, telling that story is critical. NJCAA athletics can help bring notoriety to your two-year institution, which helps engage other conversations and recognition for your college. Again, "But for Athletics," would your college regularly be highlighted in the local newspaper or shouted across social media on a national and international stage?
No matter which aspect brings the highest recognition, the value of NJCAA athletics is going to continue to open doors, aid college campus dynamics, and change lives for the better for years to come. So I ask you, "But for Athletics," what would your college be missing out on?
