ASU partners with MLB to help players earn degrees

PHOENIX — Arizona State University has partnered with Major League Baseball to help athletes further their education.

The program was inspired by former Diamondback Chris Young who earned his degree online at ASU in business administration.

“Initially, the idea of going back to school was daunting, especially after being away for nearly 20 years,” Young said in a press release. He said ASU’s dedicated support team gave him the confidence to go back to school and earn his degree.  

Players from the minors to the majors are eligible for the program and can even enroll after they’ve retired. Athletes across the country can use the online format to get their GED, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or a certificate of their choosing. ASU Executive Vice President Chris Howard said they want students to focus on educational outcomes that work best for them.  

“That offers them the opportunity to advance the way they need to on their terms and at their speed, using the mechanisms they think are most appropriate,” Howard said.  

The student-centric program takes into consideration the rigorous schedule of a Major League Baseball player and allows flexibility. He added ASU is in the business of removing barriers to education.  

“We understand people have to make it work with their own schedules whether they are Major League Baseball players or someone working at Starbucks,” Howard said.  

The partnership even offers courses in Spanish for international athletes. These English as a second language courses and degree programs in Spanish provide educational opportunities for all.  

ASU online students are assigned success coaches to help with enrollment, academic progress and career planning. The online program also offers online tutoring, career development and wellness support.  

“Traditionally, we’ve looked for ways to advance opportunity for people around the world. Sports provide a very unique and special way to do that because sport matters so much in terms of who we are as a nation and how we interact on the global stage,” Howard said in a press release.  

Related

Trump administration immigration policies stoking fear in Arizona education communityArizona HS seniors who apply for federal student aid can get free spring training ticketsPeoria Unified adds new hotline for students to report questionable behaviorArizona governor hopeful Andy Biggs says more funding doesn’t mean better schoolsSen. Mark Kelly proposes 2 bills to support young men and grow public serviceLawsuit challenges validity of thousands of ESA reform ballot measure signatures