Bear TRACKS
In 1991, the NCAA Foundation initiated efforts to create a total development program for student-athletes. Through the collaborative efforts of the NCAA Foundation and the Divisin 1-A Athletic Directors' Association, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program (Challenging Athletes Minds for Personal Success) was created.
The mission of the NCAA is to maintain intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the campus educational program and the athlete as an integral part of the student body. With this in mind, the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program was created to support the student development initiatives of its member institutions and to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience within the university setting.
Bridgewater State College, in conjunction with NCAA, created a CHAMPS/Life Skills program called Bear TRACKS (Teaching ResponsibleAthletes ChallengingKnowledge through Service). In 1998 the program was initially created and since has become an influential program for student-athletes on campus. The program incorporates basic learning skills, leadership activities, and activities to help create a camaraderie amongst student-athletes.
Bear TRACKS tries to meet the needs of student athletes in five essential areas:
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Academic Excellence
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Career Development
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Commitment to Service
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Athletic Excellence
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Personal Development