While many universities across the U.S. offer volunteer opportunities to student-athletes, few provide the education and guidance needed to help them understand how to be effective volunteers or identify community causes that align with their passions. To bridge this gap, Athletes for Hope created AFH University (AFH U) in 2013, a program designed to support college athletes throughout their philanthropic journeys.
Through a series of facilitated workshops—modeled after AFH’s Causeway structure—AFH U helps student-athletes explore themes such as leadership, life skills, advocacy, and their role in the community, while also discovering their individual and collective philanthropic passions. AFH staff partners closely with each team to connect these lessons to meaningful, impactful community work.
By participating in AFH U, student-athletes gain the opportunity to:
Today, AFH U is active on campuses nationwide, including American University, Howard University, Georgetown University, George Washington University, Louisiana State University, Southern University, Davidson College, Long Beach State University, Loyola Marymount University, and Bowie State University.
Thousands
of student-athletes engaged in AFH U
125
sports teams from 24 universities & colleges trained through 179
educational workshops
23,200+
hours of volunteer time by AFH U
student-athletes
966
community events hosted positively impacting 182 charities across 21
different causes
165,187+
people positively impacted
by AFH U Volunteers
Smart decisions today build stronger futures tomorrow. The Thrivent × Athletes for Hope Financial Literacy Series empowers athletes with practical guidance on generosity, investing, and budgeting—helping them build financial confidence and stability that lasts beyond sport.
The AFH U Awards celebrate student-athletes and teams who lead with purpose beyond the game. Each month, Athletes for Hope University recognizes individuals whose service, compassion, and commitment show how sport can be a powerful force for good in their communities. Thrivent is proud to present the AFH U Awards in support of values-driven leadership and service. Together, Athletes for Hope and Thrivent are uplifting student-athletes who understand that success isn’t just measured by performance but by impact, integrity, and care for others.
Thrivent is proud to present the AFH U Awards in support of values-driven leadership and service. Together, Athletes for Hope and Thrivent are uplifting student-athletes who understand that success isn’t just measured by performance but by impact, integrity, and care for others.
Through this partnership, we amplify stories that inspire generosity, community engagement, and positive change—on campus and beyond.
AFH U Award Winners
Nearly 200 pounds of impact, powered by Davidson student-athletes. 🧡
Student-athletes at Davidson College stepped up to serve their community—collecting almost 200 lbs of nonperishable food and supplies to fight food insecurity. Half was donated to Charlotte-area food distributor Nourish Up, and 95 lbs were personally delivered by our Nov. AFH U Athlete of the month, Ryan Harris (Men’s Track & Field) to Ada Jenkins’ Food Pantry, supporting families right in the Davidson community.
This is what leadership looks like beyond the scoreboard—showing up, giving back, and making a real difference where it matters most.
👏 @davidsonwildcat
🤝 @adajenkinsnc
🍎 @nourishupclt
#AFHU #AthletesForHope #ServiceThroughSport #AthletesGiveBack
Dec 30
Congrats to our December AFH U Award Winners! 🎉
Thanks to our partners at @thrivent, we’re celebrating student-athletes who show that leadership isn’t just about performance—it’s about purpose, service, and showing up for others especially during the holiday season.
🏆Congrats to our AFH U Athlete of the Month: Kelis Armstrong (@kelisarmstrong) 🏃🏽♀️💨
Howard University Women’s Track & Field (@hubisontfxc, @hubisonsports)
Kelis is using sport to build community in Washington, DC. From leading Run Your City – Shaw to bringing together student-athletes and local youth through movement and mentorship, her leadership has already impacted more than 50 children this semester alone.
🏆Congrats to our AFH U Team of the Month: Davidson Field Hockey (@dcfh_wildcats) 🏒
Davidson College (@davidsonwildcat)
For the third year in a row, Davidson Field Hockey has remained committed to service through its partnership with Continuing the Mission. Their consistency, compassion, and care continue to make a lasting difference for veterans and the service dogs they support.
Comment a 👏👏👏 to help us celebrate this month’s honorees!
#AFHU #AFHAwards #AthletesForHope #Thrivent #ServiceThroughSport AthletesGiveBack
Dec 18
🏆Congrats to our November AFH U Award Winners!
Thanks to our partners at @thrivent, we’re celebrating student-athletes who show that leadership isn’t just about performance it’s about purpose.
👏Congrats to the AFH U Team of the Month: Long Beach State Softball (@lbsusoftball)
One of the newest teams in the AFH U network, and already making waves. From making 300+ sandwiches for neighbors facing food insecurity to showing up for local students at an inclusive sports day, this team is proving what community-first athletics looks like. 🥎💛
👏Congrats to our AFH U Athlete of the Month: Ryan Harris (@ryno__4 ) of Davidson Track & Field (@davidson_xctf )
Ryan leads with consistency, humility, and heart, volunteering weekly at the Ada Jenkins Center and rallying fellow student-athletes to get involved. His commitment is making a real impact on campus and beyond. 🏃🏽♂️❤️
Comment a 👏👏👏👏 to join us in celebrating this month’s honorees!
#AFHU #AFHAwards #AthletesForHope #Thrivent #ServiceThroughSport #AthletesGiveBack
Nov 18
🏆Congrats to our October AFH U Award Winners!
Thanks to our partners at @thrivent we can highlight student-athletes who are proving that leadership goes far beyond the game!
🏆Team of the Month: LSU Women’s Soccer
⚽️From uplifting youth with disabilities to visiting seniors and supporting breast cancer survivors, this team is leading with heart.
🏆Athlete of the Month: Gaby Rivera – LSU Women’s Tennis
🎾Gaby’s passion for service shines through—from rallying teammates for First Day Helpers to creating joy at hospitals and Miracle League games.
Thanks for your service athletes! You are proof that when athletes serve their communities, everyone wins!
👉 Celebrate this month’s honorees in the comments!
#AFHU #AFHAwards #AthletesForHope #Thrivent #ServiceThroughSport #AthletesGiveBack
Oct 20
New look. Same mission. 😎
Athletes for Hope has always believed in the power of athletes to make the world a better place — and now, our new logo reflects that evolution.
This brand refresh represents growth, unity, and our continued commitment to helping athletes discover their purpose beyond the game. 🌎
From youth in CHAMPS to pros on the global stage, every athlete has the power to lead, serve, and inspire change. 💪
This is more than a new logo — it’s a symbol of who we are, and where we’re going.
🔗 Learn more about our mission and programs at athletesforhope.org
.
#AthletesForHope #AFH #AthletesGivingBack #SportsForGood #CHAMPS #HSLA #AFHU
Oct 7
Hello, Fall! 🍁This season, we’re falling into service.
Last week, the LSU Women’s Soccer team @lsusoccer traded the field for The Claiborne Senior Living facility, where they played fun soccer-themed games and shared plenty of laughs with the residents.
⚽️From goals to giggles, these athletes showed that teamwork doesn’t stop when the whistle blows.
Here’s to making every season one of service, connection, and community.
#AFHU #LSUSoccer #AthletesForHope #CommunityService #athletesguveback
Sep 22
What gives you hope? 🤔
That’s the question we asked the George Washington University Women’s Rowing Team during our Empowerment workshop on the importance of service as a student-athlete.
Together, we explored what “hope” really means, not just for themselves, but for the communities they have the opportunity to impact.
From lifting teammates up to giving back beyond the water, these athletes are proving that leadership goes far deeper than sport.
At AFH, we believe hope grows when athletes play for more than the game.
👉 So, What/Who gives YOU hope?
Tell us in the comments.
Thanks to @thrivent for making our AFH University work in Washington, DC possible.
#AthletesForHope #AFHU #StudentAthletes #GWRowing #hope
Sep 9
Giving back is always a HOME RUN!
⚾️ Thanks to our AFH University Washington DC partner @thrivent, we were SO excited to join in on the fun at HBCU Night at Nationals Park last week.
Not only did these incredible student-athletes celebrate their community and enjoy the game, they also took time to 📝 write heartfelt cards for children in the hospital. These notes of encouragement are a simple but powerful way to spread joy to kids going through tough times.
👉 To learn more about student-athletes making a difference visit us online.
#AthletesForHope #HBCUNight #afhu #howarduniversity #AthletesGivingBack
Sep 5
Why serve when you can chill? 🤔
Because when athletes give back the impact goes wayyy beyond the scoreboard.
These college athletes teamed up to spend the day learning about the importance of service and volunteering at the LSU Food Bank.
Want to join us in making a difference?
👩💻Visit our website to learn more about AFH University and our other programs.
#afhu #geauxtigers #athleteslife #athleteswhoserve #athletevolunteers
Aug 8
SWIPE 👉This semester, AFH University student athletes didn’t just show up for practice, they showed up for their communities.
From reading to youth 📖 to hosting clinics 🏀, cleaning spaces for the unhoused 🧹 and raising funds 💰for causes that matter our athletes proved that leadership starts off the field.
Swipe to see the impact in action.
#athletesoffthefield #afhu #communityservice #afh #athletesneverstop
Jun 20
Serving up more than just goals! 🥍💛 On December 3rd, nine members of American University Women’s Lacrosse team teamed up with Shepherd’s Table—a community organization supporting those experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, and poverty. They prepared, served, and cleaned up breakfast while connecting with guests to make a real community impact! Great work, AU! 👏 #AFHU #athletesforhope
Dec 10
AFH U brought incredible moments with our Athletes for Hope University teams! 🌟
✨ Southern Women’s Soccer: Cailan Gatlin and Azaria Smith brightened the day for children at OLOL by playing trivia, giving out prizes, and connecting with staff.
✨ American University Wrestling & Women’s Lacrosse: These teams came together to make 468 PB&J sandwiches for Shepard’s Table, ensuring no one goes hungry this holiday season.
Big thanks to these amazing student-athletes for making a difference in their communities!
#AFHU #athletesforrhope #communityimpact #sportsforgood
Nov 21
I have been fortunate enough to be working with Athletes for Hope for almost a full academic year now, and their help has been huge for me. Their connections, platform, and mission has allowed me to grow in my involvement and confidence as a community leader, as they have encouraged and supported me as I have reached out and engaged with all different kinds of people in my community, not limited to athletes.
Davidson Track & Field Student-Athlete
Athletes for Hope has taught me that there are many ways in which I can use my platform as an athlete to positively impact my community.
Howard Women's Soccer Student-Athlete
I had a great time serving local kids at the Louisiana Key Academy today! We had lots of fun playing basketball, dodgeball, and just getting to know each other. The joy on each kid's face throughout the day reminded me of why I serve.
LSU Men's Golf Student-Athlete
