STUDENT-ATHLETE-CENTERED CURRICULUM focused ON LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The 'CatsSkills program is an initiative of the Chico State Department of Athletics established during the 2020-2021 academic year. 

The goal of the 'CatsSkills program is to foster the complete student-athlete and help student-athletes thrive during their time at Chico State while preparing for employment post-graduation through four core initiatives: leadership development; personal development; professional development; and community engagement. All programming is designed to align with Chico State's strategic priorities and enduring commitments, along with the core initiatives of the NCAA, CCAA and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. During the contract signing, each Chico State student athlete is enrolled into the 'CatsSkills program.  
 
Student-athletes will gain hands-on experience through required participation in various workshops, recruiting events, career fairs, and informational interview. Student-athletes will engage in break-out sessions and participate in focus groups during each workshop, and be given the opportunity to ask presenters questions. Workshops include transformative collaborative curriculum that empowers and educates student-athletes to be successful in their careers, personal lives and communities. Student-athletes will have key takeaways from these workshops including: enhancing their LinkedIn profile, bolstering their resume, direct networking opportunities with high level employers and producing a portfolio to aid in the career search process. Student-athletes will attend The 'CatsSkills program features guest speakers such as professional athletes and corporate professionals. These workshops also integrate innovative support to aid in high quality learning and the embodiment of excellent service and civic engagement.

Student-athletes can help improve the 'CatsSkills program by sharing their thoughts and suggestions HERE.

The long-term hope is to grow 'CatsSkills into class-specific programming that will result in a leadership certificate for the student-athletes who choose to participate throughout their time in the program.

"Developing and implementing a dedicated student-athlete success program has been a dream and goal of mine for many years," said Chico State Director of Athletics Anita Barker. "The 'CatsSkills program is a dream coming to fruition and a testament to our commitment to providing a transformative student-athlete experience to our Wildcats."


'CatsSkills Testimonials From Student-Athletes

"Sometimes it is hard to think about the future because so much is unknown. But these sessions really helped. And hearing from past student-athletes gives me hope about my future."

"I found these sessions very, very helpful. They are a great way for students to make an effort to better themselves and put themselves out there. It's also very cool that they are athlete-specific.

"I have absolutely loved all of the workshops. I especially loved the financial workshop. He was so informative and I learned so much about budgeting. I never knew how to begin before his workshop. The Excel sheet that he gave us also has helped me tremendously."

Article:  CREATING A TRANSFORMATIVE STUDENT-ATHLETE EXPERIENCE THROUGH 'CATSSKILLS  

  

Follow 'CatsSkills social media accounts! @chicostudentathletes