Date Approved
4-29-2026
Graduate Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Education (M.Ed.)
Degree Program
College of Education
First Advisor
Karyn Rabourn
Academic Year
2025/2026
Abstract
Student-athletes face unique challenges including, but not limited to, significant time demands, limited financial socialization, and emerging name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities that influence their financial knowledge and behaviors. Although financial education exists, it is often inconsistent and not tailored to the needs of the population which the education intends to serve. This project is grounded in Nancy Schlossberg’s (1984) transition theory and Nevitt Sanford’s (1962) theory of challenge and support, framing financial literacy development as a process requiring intentional challenge and support as student-athletes transition into life after collegiate athletics. A four-phased, structured development program is proposed to guide student-athletes through assessments, applied learning experiences, and evaluation processes, aimed to improve financial preparedness and long-term financial outcomes for collegiate student-athletes.
ScholarWorks Citation
Cirrincione, Joanna, "Beyond the Game: A Four-Phase Financial Development Program for Student-Athletes" (2026). Culminating Experience Projects. 675.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gradprojects/675
