Help Support NIU Kinesiology Students!

KNPE Student Academic and Professional Development Fund: It’s not just WHAT you know, it’s WHO you know…and where those connections can take you. 

Support the Next Generation of KNPE Leaders and Professionals Students in NIU’s Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education are eager to follow in the footsteps of the incredible alumni and partners who’ve gone on to successful careers as educators, researchers, coaches and industry professionals. But to get there, they need more than classroom knowledge. They need opportunities to network, to experience their field firsthand and to put their skills into action. That’s where the KNPE Student Academic and Professional Development Fund comes in. 

Opening Doors, Building Futures This fund will provide support for KNPE students to attend conferences, workshops, and site visits that spark inspiration, provide opportunities, and open doors. Past experiences have afforded students to participate in behind the scenes work with the NCAA and the U.S. Olympic Training Center, present research with our impressive faculty at conferences like the American College of Sports Medicine and SHAPE America and display their abilities as future professionals. These experiences allow students to: • 

• Apply classroom, teaching and lab skills in real-world settings. 
• Build relationships with alumni and industry leaders (often in hiring positions!). • Explore future career paths and graduate school opportunities. 
• Compete at the highest level for jobs and post-baccalaureate programs. 

Why Your Support Matters: With more than 700 KNPE students – and departmental enrollment soaring by more than 11% since 2022 – the demand for these opportunities is greater than ever. Your gift directly covers the costs of travel, lodging and registration fees, ensuring equitable access for all students regardless of financial means. And the impact lasts far beyond one trip, one workshop or one conference. By strengthening our students’ networks, skills and confidence, you’re shaping the future of the kinesiology, physical education and sport management fields. 

A Legacy of Alumni Excellence: As an alum, you know firsthand how KNPE shaped your journey. Now’s your chance to pay it forward – to ensure today’s KNPE Huskies have the same opportunities to discover, connect and thrive. Together, we can establish an endowed fund that will support generations of KNPE students for years to come. 

Our Goal: Our target goal is to raise $5,000 to expand access to transformative experiences that set our students apart. With your help, we can continue KNPE’s proud tradition of producing leaders in education, kinesiology, research and sport. Be the connection that makes the difference. Support the KNPE Student Academic and Professional Development Fund today – and help put our students “in the game” – every little bit helps!