Nebraska’s Life Skills program provides innovative and, resources and support throughout college and beyond to best prepare Husker student-athletes for life after sports. Services foster transition, retention, responsible decision-making, leadership, volunteerism and career development.
A Life Skills pioneer, Nebraska was one of five NCAA Division I schools to win the prestigious Program of Excellence Award in 1998. The award recognizes a strong commitment to total person development. In 2005, Associate Athletic Director for Life Skills Keith Zimmer was the recipient of the Dr. Gene Hooks Award recognizing him as the top Life Skills administrator in the country.
All incoming student-athletes complete the Husker Life Seminar, a 16-week fall semester class addressing topics from leadership to money to relationships and study skills. Campus and community experts also meet with student-athletes in Team Workshops, while Student-Athlete Assemblies feature nationally recognized life skills trainers.
Each student-athlete works with a Life Skills staff member to develop their own Resume with follow-up meetings through graduation. Life skills staff members also work with each student-athlete to create their own “Game Plan” to maximize their marketability both in and out of sports. Sports psychology and performance resources are also available to maximize their success on and off the field.
Nebraska student-athletes combine to impact over 100,000 people statewide on annual basis. Each team participates in a minimum of two service projects per year, while individual student-athletes participate in school outreach campaigns in classroom and assembly settings. Huskers also make frequent Hospital Visits to lift the spirits of patients, while organized Mentoring Programs also provide student-athletes an opportunity to mentor a local youth on an individual basis. Outreach requests are received daily from the entire state requesting involvement from Husker student-athletes.
Life Skills programs provide opportunities for leadership development and recognition for extraordinary citizenship. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is voice of NU’s 23- sport student-athlete population. The Your Degree First leadership group provides specialized support for student-athletes of color, women and international student-athletes. The HERO Leadership Award recognizes Huskers who have consistently gone above and beyond to serve as exemplary role-models. The Brook Berringer Citizenship Team annually honors football players for dedicated service. The Life Skills Award of Excellence is presented to the single men’s and women’s team who score the highest point total in a year-long life skills team competition.
In addition to the personalized resume and game plan development, other career resources are available to every Husker. The Student-Athlete Career Fair showcases approximately 25 companies, while Networking/Nexpo Night gives former Huskers and each UNL college a chance to educate student-athletes about major and career options. On-line Assessments are available to help individuals discover their talents and match them with a major and career. Practical Experience programs are available to facilitate shadowing and internship placements. Student-Athletes also receive Job Preparation advice ranging from cover letter writing, interviewing skills and evaluating job offers.
Nebraska’s commitment to helping student-athletes extends beyond graduation to Huskers pursue postgraduate plans and scholarships. Career Nights give student-athletes a chance to gain valuable insight on timelines, application procedures, entrance requirements, personal essays and more from experts. Seniors in their final season of athletic eligibility can apply for numerous Postgraduate Scholarships.
