How Cougs 4 Kids Works
How Cougs 4 Kids Works
Support Youth and WSU Student-Athletes | Cougs 4 Kids NIL Program
How Your Gift Makes an Impact At Cougs 4 Kids, we leverage Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements to benefit both youth and the WSU student-athletes who mentor them. Your tax-deductible donation, potentially matched by your employer, ensures maximum impact, transparency, and trust.
Where Your Gift Goes
Compensating Mentors
Your donations directly fund NIL agreements, enabling WSU student-athletes to dedicate their time to mentoring youth. This builds leadership, resilience, and community spirit.
Enhancing Leadership Programs
By mentoring with Cougs 4 Kids, student-athletes help build stronger, more cohesive communities. They lead hands-on workshops, facilitate team-building exercises, and guide youth-led community projects that address local challenges, such as promoting social inclusion and environmental care.
Fueling Community Impact
Student-athlete mentors are instrumental in shaping tomorrow’s leaders. Their guidance boosts self-confidence, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities in youth, empowering them to effect change within their communities.
How Our Program Works
Recruiting Mentors: WSU student-athletes are trained to share their leadership skills with youth. Employer-matched donations further enhance this process and expand our reach.
- Funding Through NIL:
Donations support NIL agreements, ensuring that mentors receive fair compensation for their time and commitment. - Delivering Mentorship:
Mentors lead youth through training, team-building activities, and projects that build confidence and essential skills. - Youth-Led Projects: With mentor guidance, youth create and lead community service initiatives that drive lasting, positive change.
Building Trust Through Transparency
Cougs 4 Kids is committed to full transparency. Every tax-deductible donation is carefully managed to support mentorship and youth-led projects. Contributions from donors, matched gifts, sponsors, and grants ensure we maintain high standards of accountability and expand our services.
Join Our Mission
When you donate, you invest in mentorship, community, and future leaders. Take advantage of employer gift matching to double your impact and support a program that truly changes lives.
Make your tax-deductible gift today and see how your support transforms communities.
Contact Us
For more information or to discuss how you can get involved, please reach out!
Frequently Asked Questions
A mentorship and leadership program where WSU student-athletes mentor youth from underserved communities in Washington State under the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Believe in Me.
WSU NCAA eligible student-athletes from any sport who are passionate about giving back and inspiring youth.
International student-athletes face challenges with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) participation due to U.S. immigration laws. Most hold F-1 visas, which limit off-campus employment and could classify NIL activities within the U.S. as unauthorized work, risking their visa status.
Options for NIL Participation:
- Passive Income: Licensing their name or image without active involvement may be allowed.
- NIL Activities Abroad: Engaging in NIL while outside the U.S. avoids employment restrictions.
- Alternative Visas: The P-1A (for recognized athletes) or O-1 (for individuals with extraordinary ability) can offer more NIL flexibility.
Key Advice:
International student-athletes should consult with their university's international office or an immigration attorney before pursuing NIL opportunities to ensure legal compliance and protect their visa status.
Mentoring lets you make a tangible community impact, build leadership skills, and participate in service projects while benefiting from NIL compensation.
Leading workshops, facilitating team-building activities, guiding youth projects, and sharing personal stories to inspire participants.
Youth aged 13-18 from marginalized and underserved backgrounds.
Leadership experience, community engagement, and NIL compensation for time and effort.
NIL compensation allows student-athletes to be paid for mentoring while complying with NCAA and 501(c)(3) regulations.
Fill out the Student-Athlete Interest Form, attend an orientation session, and complete onboarding.
Yes, training covers effective mentorship, leadership techniques, and program goals.
No, the program follows NCAA regulations, ensuring your eligibility remains intact.
Typically a few hours per week, with flexible opportunities during the off-season.
Projects may include community clean-ups, social inclusion activities, and team-building exercises.
No, comprehensive training is provided.
Develops transferable skills like leadership, communication, and problem-solving.
It leverages the leadership of WSU student-athletes to offer mentorship, training, and community service projects.
Yes, the program is flexible and accommodates academic and athletic commitments.
Guidance from staff, program resources, and peer support.
You’ll be invited to an orientation session and receive further details.
No, and you receive NIL compensation for your time.
They may deal with isolation, lack of resources, and social exclusion. Mentorship offers support and opportunities for growth.
Yes, mentoring in groups or with teammates is encouraged.
Your mentorship empowers youth with skills, confidence, and support to lead and create change.
No, Cougs 4 Kids operates independently but supports similar goals. Donations to Cougs 4 Kids are tax-deductible and directly support mentorship programs.
Yes, all WSU teams are welcome.
