Saint George, Utah, United States, 10th Aug 2022, Private football league organizer USA Collegiate is collaborating with Southern Utah University to provide educational pathways to careers for their players, many of whom have been negatively impacted by the wave of junior colleges that have terminated their football programs in recent years.
Through this agreement, football players will be able to earn associate’s and bachelor’s degrees through SUU’s Speedway/Bachelor of General Studies program – – while playing collegiate football on privately funded JUCO teams.
Speedway is a versatile, modular online degree program that costs just $75 per credit, making it one of the lowest-cost accredited degrees in the nation; and recognized as one of the first and best online programs.
USA Collegiate is based in St. George, Utah, and is a licensed degree-granting, post-secondary school. It developed the SAVE JUCO football plan, consulted with, and established the support for privately funded junior college football clubs in Arizona; and is now committed to establishing junior college football clubs in Utah and other Western states.
“We created USA Collegiate in an impassioned effort to provide hundreds of underserved student-athletes the opportunity to both play football and receive education through colleges and technical schools, with the additional support of professionals and mentors,” said Dave Arslanian, USA Collegiate founder and Hall of Fame college football coach.
The first privately funded team will be announced soon, with 4 others to follow. The launch city is making plans, and several other cities are anxiously awaiting the news. Some will begin training as soon as this Fall, all will play a full schedule Fall of 2023, and Bakersfield JC (CA), home of legendary Frank Gifford, has already agreed to a game.
“Our teams will not only provide collegiate football competition, and the opportunity for players to continue onto a major college, but also provide an outstanding student, workforce and leadership-development program for the players, while working with local communities,” said Arslanian.
What makes this joint effort particularly compelling is the robust support these student-athletes will receive from both organizations; with USA Collegiate providing college preparation, academic/athletic coaching, and community involvement; and SUU Online providing its hallmark student-centric teaching, student services, tutoring and counseling.
“We are so impressed with USA Collegiate’s commitment to the preparation and success of their student-athletes for college and for their future,” said Lynn Kvamme, SUU Online Director of Partnerships. “SUU’s Speedway program seems to be a perfect fit for this partnership. We are truly honored to be part of USA Collegiate’s vision.”
Speedway students earn their Bachelor of General Studies degree with 100 percent online learning in as few as three years. Classes are only seven weeks long, and transfer credits are accepted. Financial barriers are removed thanks to federal financial aid, providing a path to an accredited education for students where, when and how they need it.
USA Collegiate was formed by Hall of Fame football coaches Dave Arslanian and Larry Philpot when several junior colleges in the Western U.S. started eliminating their athletic programs.
Knowing what that opportunity meant to the lives of so many football players over the last several decades, Arslanian and Philpot set out to create an alternative for these displaced student-athletes.
USA-C’s alternative program pairs privately funded football teams with academics via USA-C’s own prep program and strategic collaborations with colleges and technical schools to develop athletes — and a future workforce — with job, leadership and life skills learned in a classroom, on the football field, and in the community. Learn more about USA Collegiate.
About SUU Online: In its 125-year history as Utah’s first experiment in distance education, Southern Utah University’s Online Department continues its pioneering legacy by offering to students across the globe affordable and flexible college degrees: 12 masters, 16 bachelors, and 2 associates. This includes one of the most affordable bachelor’s degree programs in the nation — Speedway/Bachelor of General Studies. SUU Online’s combination of affordability, flexibility and vast student success programs provide an extraordinary educational opportunity anytime, anywhere. · Learn more about SUU Online programs.
Media Contact
Organization: USA Collegiate
Contact Person: Dave Arslanian
Email: Send Email
Phone: 801-698-7095
State: Utah
City: Saint George
Country: United States
Website: https://usacollegiate.com/