Prep path
Per the NCAA rules, players begin their “clock” as soon as they begin to go to school full-time, and that clock runs until the player has played 4 seasons or for 5 years, whichever comes first (meaning 4 seasons and a red-shirt year). The clock doesn’t stop for almost any reason, though specific circumstances may be able to add time to it.
However, the NCAA allows for a “prep” year, in which a player takes a low number of college credits (around 6-10) or participate in college foundational courses or high school credit recovery. The prep year allows a player to fully participate in the season without starting their clock, allowing players to ease into college life and develop both physically and mentally for their college career.
USA-C
Students in the USA-C Prep Courses Path take college prep classes from us to ensure they are comfortable with their math, English, and study skills before they enter college fully. Students can also use this option to explore different career paths through preparatory classes. This option is more affordable, but lacks the ability to receive financial aid. Credits in this class are non-transferable, but failure would also not affect GPA (though it will affect week to week playing time and the ability to return next year to play for the team).
SUU Playbook Prep
Our partnership with SUU has been incredibly beneficial for students and is our most popular path! With this option, students take between 6 and 10 credits in SUU’s online Speedway program, an affordable and financial aid eligible program that has the opportunity to get students an Associate’s degree and even continue onto a Bachelor of General Studies if they so choose.
Trade School
Local trade school programs can be done in place of a prep year so long as the program lasts the full season, the student understands they must still attend study hall and fulfill their other team responsibilities, and continue on to a 4-year traditional degree if they wish to continue their NCAA eligibility. Otherwise, if the student has no intention of continuing on to an NCAA team, they are welcome to participate in a trade school program throughout their entire tenure with a USA-Collegiate team. Trade school program options will be determined by what is locally available, and students can work with their Student Success Advisor and the trade school advisors to best select the program that works for them.
Internship
Our internship program lets players work and gain real-world experience while still gaining the skills they need for a successful football career. Players in this path will work with their Student Support Supervisor to build a resume and apply for jobs. Once they have secured a job, they will work to establish certain goals, like specific job projects under their supervisor, or building a portfolio of work. They will check-in weekly with their SSS to work towards this goal and learn more about the field they are in, as well as develop soft skills necessary for the workforce.