Division III Pathway to Excellence Grant
Division III Pathway to Excellence Grant supports schools and conferences with entry-level athletics positions to expand representation and develop future athletics leaders.
Funder: National Collegiate Athletic Association
Due Dates: January 29, 2027, 5 p.m. ET (Application deadline) | February 2027 (Review and notification) | September 2027 (Funding)
Funding Amounts: $30,000 for salary and wages plus $3,000 for professional development annually, for two academic years
Summary: Supports full-time, entry-level athletics positions that expand representation and develop future athletics administrators at NCAA Division III schools and conferences.
Key Information: Recipients must provide at least 10 months of full-time employment and a minimum $5,000 in-kind contribution each year.
Description
The NCAA Division III Pathway to Excellence Grant supports schools and conferences committed to equitable opportunities for underrepresented groups, including veterans and first-generation individuals, in entry-level intercollegiate athletics administration. Part of the Division III Opportunity Grants program, it funds positions for two academic years, combining practical work experience with supervision, mentorship, and professional development.
Positions should expose emerging professionals to broader athletics operations, including strategic planning, budget management, fundraising, compliance, sport oversight, student-athlete welfare, academics, or staff management. Athletic training and strength and conditioning positions also qualify when they support the grant’s mission and include meaningful professional development and administrative exposure. The goal is to build pathways into athletics leadership that better reflect the student-athlete population.
