We are the only collective in the country that supports ALL student-athletes. That means we strive to provide opportunities for all 850 athletes from 31 sports. With less than 380 scholarship equivalents for 850 student-athletes, many students represent our university with little or no support and struggle to experience college. Even for those on scholarship, many families have challenging financial circumstances, and NIL opportunities are a saving grace. We give individuals, businesses, and foundations options to support the teams and individuals they choose. To date, our supporters have provided NIL contracts to athletes from every sport.
Penn State competes in Big Ten and National Championships. By engaging with our Nittany Lion athletes, you provide financial support for the five-star athlete and the team who collectively pursue excellence together.
From our Executive Director:
In March of 2023, we began our second year of operations by changing the Success With Honor operations team to a team of Penn Staters, including my taking the role of Executive Director. Our founders, board of advisors, and operations team are all Penn Staters who love this university and understand our shared Penn State values. Like many of you, I was uncomfortable with NIL, especially in conjunction with the Transfer Portal. However, when I realized that Penn State could lead in navigating NIL with integrity, I embraced the opportunity.
Being a Penn Stater is a transformational experience, not a transactional one. For student-athletes, it includes being part of the university and team culture, training with top athletes and coaches, and exhibiting integrity, leadership, dedication, and perseverance in pursuit of excellence. With a thriving and supportive alumni base, premier career opportunities, and a tremendous collegiate environment in Happy Valley, NIL is just one part of their college experience. Success With Honor is proud to support Penn State student-athletes as they represent businesses, impact charitable organizations and the families that they serve, and develop valuable life skills. Over 96% of our athletes will choose careers other than their college sport. The skills they advance while at Penn State will help make them future leaders in science, engineering, business, humanities, the arts, and more.
I am proud to have a small part in helping our student-athletes grow as people, impact the lives of families who rely on charitable organizations, and represent what is good about Penn State to the rest of the world. We Are!
Kerry Small
Executive Director
