Kansas State University Athletics
STEP Programs
P.A.A.L.S. (Positioning African American and Black Athletes for Lifelong Success)
The P.A.A.L.S. program serves as a personal development and mentoring program offered to first-year student-athletes of color. The program is designed to help create a sense of community and support, while also providing the necessary tools to address the challenges many student-athletes of color face. K-State faculty, former student athletes, current upper-class student-athletes and members of the community are utilized to assist first-year student-athletes of color with the adjustment process and easing fears associated with life transitions.
The goals for the program include: creating community and family through support, guidance and encouragement; creating opportunities for mentorship and personal growth; and the retention and matriculation of student-athletes of color.
Follow us on Instagram: @kstate_paals
Global Cats
Program designed to support our international student-athletes in their transition to college, athletics and life here in the states. The program aims to provide international student-athletes with the resources and support necessary to ensure their success while at K-State. In addition, Global Cats strives to celebrate and embrace the vast diversity that each student-athlete brings to our community.
Athlete Allies
K-State Athletics administrators, staff, coaches and student-athletes in partnership with the Athlete Ally organization dedicated to taking a stand against homophobia and transphobia in sports by bringing a message of respect, inclusion and equality to our athletic community.
Follow us on Instagram: @kstate_athleteallies
Athlete Ally training courses: https://athleteally.thinkific.com/
Women Leaders of K-State Athletics
Women Leaders of K-State Athletics fosters the development of student athletes and staff by cultivating relationships, encouraging personal and professional growth and engaging with the community.
A.S.A.C.C.
VISION:
To promote a vibrant culture of support and sustain a diverse and inclusive environment for student-athletes, coaches, staff, and administrators of color.
MISSION STATEMENT:
To educate, facilitate cultural enlightenment, awareness, and enhance valuable growth and development opportunities for student-athletes, coaches, staff, and administrators of color; and achieve success as viable contributors to societal and community environments.
Continued Training / Education Sessions
Specific trainings and educational programming designed to increase the overall cultural competency of administrators, coaches, staff and student-athletes
- Annual Presentations and Trainings
- Diversity and inclusion curriculum incorporated into new staff training
- Experiential learning opportunities
- Professional certification (i.e. Safe Zone, Bystander Intervention, Athlete Ally Campus Ambassador
- Lunch and Learns
Cats Across Continents
Cats Across Continents is a service learning initiative that provides K-State student-athletes with an opportunity to engage in a once in a lifetime opportunity to give back to countries in need while immersing themselves in a different culture. This program partners with Courts for Kids – a nonprofit organization that specializes in organizing teams of volunteers to build sports courts in impoverished communities around the globe.
2019 Cats Across Continents Trip to Costa Rica 2017 Cats Across Continents Trip to NicaraguaSOCIAL MEDIA
K-State Student Athletes
K-State Sports
