What is National STUDENT-Athlete Day?


​National STUDENT-Athlete Day, was created 1987 by the National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS), officially renamed the Institute for Sport & Social Justice (ISSJ). Celebrated annually on April 6th, National STUDENT-Athlete Day honors high school and college student-athletes who have achieved excellence in academics and athletics, while having made significant contribution to their schools and communities.  National STUDENT-Athlete Day is one of America’s strongest endeavors promoting the positive virtues of sport, student-athletes as a whole, and the positive affect they both have on society.

Since its inception, over 4.4 million student-athletes have been honored with National STUDENT-Athlete Day award certificates which are offered free of charged.  All student-athletes must have earned a 3.0+ GPA and are involved in outreach and community service.


Request Award Certificates

Your school can celebrate the outstanding achievements of its student-athletes on National STUDENT-Athlete Day in many ways, including presenting them with award certificates provided by the ISSJ at no cost. We can send you pre-printed certificates or you can download a PDF copy to print.


Giant Steps Awards

In conjunction with National STUDENT-Athlete Day, Giant Steps Honorees are chosen on the national level in the categories of courageous student-athletes, coaches, civic leaders, and barrier breakers. Honorees include a diverse group of individuals who have shown courage, heroism, triumph in the midst of adversity, and community activism through the power of sport.

Chosen by a national selection committee from hundreds of nominations received nationwide, these individuals exemplify the meaning of National STUDENT-Athlete Day. 

National STUDENT-Athlete Day is a program of ISSJ and is co-sponsored by the NCAA and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).