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Our Mission

Building Opportunity Beyond The Game.

The NAAAA Texas Chapter exists to recognize excellence, develop character and create meaningful opportunities for student-athletes to succeed on the field, in the classroom and throughout life.

Our Mission

See The Athlete. Develop The Person.

We recognize and celebrate African American student-athletes for their academic, athletic, leadership, character and community achievements while connecting them with education, mentorship, exposure, resources and relationships that prepare them for college, careers and life beyond sports.

Our mission is centered on the individual behind the uniform — their education, character, confidence, financial understanding, leadership potential and long-term future.

Mission Principle

Athletic ability may open a door. Preparation helps keep the doors open.

Why We Exist

Talent Is Everywhere. Access Is Not.

Many deserving students have the talent and work ethic to move forward but may not have consistent access to mentors, college exposure, financial education, professional networks or trusted guidance. The Texas Chapter exists to help close those gaps.

01 Recognition Make excellence visible.
02 Preparation Help students understand what comes next.
03 Relationships Connect students with people who can help.
04 Opportunity Expand access beyond the field.
Who We Serve

It Takes A Team Around The Student.

Our primary focus is African American student-athletes throughout Dallas-Fort Worth. Our mission also includes the people who help guide, educate, support and open doors for those students.

Families Parents and guardians.
Educators Teachers, counselors and administrators.
Coaches Athletic leaders and staff.
Colleges Universities and campus representatives.
Mentors Former athletes and trusted leaders.
Community Businesses, partners and advocates.
The Mission Playbook

Preparing Students For The Whole Field.

Our mission reaches beyond athletic performance. Explore the areas that help prepare students for college, careers, leadership and life.

Academic Achievement & College Readiness

Education expands choices and protects a student’s future.

  • Academic goal-setting
  • Study and time-management skills
  • College admissions preparation
  • Financial-aid and scholarship education
  • NCAA eligibility education
  • SAT and ACT preparation resources
  • Applications and essay guidance
  • Campus research and college selection
  • Transition planning after high school
Athletic Exposure & Opportunity

Talent needs responsible opportunities to be seen and connected.

  • College exposure experiences
  • Campus visits
  • Connections with coaches
  • Camps, combines and showcases
  • Athlete profiles and recognition
  • Recruiting communication education
  • Professional conduct preparation
Leadership & Character Development
  • Integrity
  • Accountability
  • Discipline
  • Confidence
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Sportsmanship
  • Respect
  • Decision-making
  • Community service
  • Social-media responsibility
  • Servant leadership
Mentorship & Life Preparation
  • Goal-setting
  • College-transition support
  • Career exploration
  • Professional networking
  • Internship connections
  • Positive adult role models
  • Guidance through major transitions
Financial Literacy & NIL Readiness
  • Budgeting and saving
  • Banking
  • Credit awareness
  • Taxes and recordkeeping
  • Name, Image and Likeness education
  • Personal branding
  • Sponsorship responsibilities
  • Understanding compensation
  • Recognizing financial scams
Career & Professional Readiness
  • Career exploration
  • Résumé development
  • Interview preparation
  • Professional etiquette
  • Public speaking
  • Networking
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Internships and job shadowing
  • Personal and digital branding
Family & Parent Education
  • College admissions
  • Athletic recruitment
  • Eligibility requirements
  • Financial aid and scholarships
  • NIL education
  • College-transition planning
  • Professional communication
Well-Being & Real-Life Readiness
  • Emotional well-being
  • Social-media pressure
  • Peer pressure
  • Healthy decision-making
  • Healthy relationships
  • Conflict and violence awareness
  • Knowing when and how to ask for help
Recognition & Celebration

Excellence should be recognized in more than one way.

  • Academic excellence
  • Athletic achievement
  • Leadership
  • Character and integrity
  • Sportsmanship
  • Community impact
  • Triumph over adversity
  • Arts and creativity
  • STEM and innovation
  • Entrepreneurship
  • College and career readiness
  • Legacy recognition

Athletic ability may open the first door. Education, preparation, character and relationships help keep the doors open.

Mission Into Action

More Than Events. A Connected Experience.

Our programs are being developed to build on one another — creating recognition, preparation, exposure, relationships and opportunity throughout a student’s journey.

01 Leadership Brunch Connect students with educators, mentors and community leaders.
02 Student Readiness Financial literacy, etiquette, communication and professional preparation.
03 Texas Top 22 College exposure, campuses, academics, athletics and mentorship. Explore TT22 →
04 Recognition Gala Celebrate students and the people helping them succeed.
05 National Recognition Support qualified Texas students for appropriate National NAAAA opportunities.
06 Youth Development Character, sportsmanship, leadership and positive decision-making.
07 Community Service Teach students to use their influence to strengthen others.
Recognition Matters

Tell The Whole Story.

We want students to be seen for academics, athletics, leadership, character, service, resilience, creativity and growth — not simply statistics on a scoreboard.

We also recognize the adults and organizations creating environments where young people can thrive.

Administrator Of The Year
Coach Of The Year
Teacher Of The Year
Community Partner Of The Year
Student recognition categories are being developed and will be announced after final chapter review.
The Support Network

Students Should Not Navigate Alone.

Families Guidance and encouragement.
Schools Education and student development.
Coaches Leadership and athletic development.
Universities College exposure and transition.
Mentors Perspective and accountability.
Partners Resources and opportunity.
The Texas Standard

What We Stand For.

Integrity Leadership Excellence Relationships Service Accountability Opportunity Safety Legacy

We want students and families to experience a chapter culture built on trust, respect, preparation, service and meaningful relationships.

What Success Looks Like

Impact Over Appearance.

We will measure our work through real student, family, school and community outcomes — not simply how many events we host or how much attention they receive.

Students Engaged and supported.
Campuses Experienced and explored.
Mentors Connected with students.
Families Included and informed.
Recognition Earned and celebrated.
Opportunity Created beyond the field.

We see the person before the player. Every relationship, program and opportunity we build should help a young person become more prepared, more confident and better positioned for what comes next.

Our Geographic Commitment

DFW Today. Texas Tomorrow.

The Texas Chapter is currently building its foundation throughout Dallas-Fort Worth, including Arlington and communities along the I-20 corridor.

Build It Right. Then Grow. Our long-term vision is to expand opportunities into additional Texas communities as the chapter’s programs, leadership and partnerships grow.
Join The Mission

Help Us Build Opportunity Beyond The Game.

Whether you are a student, parent, coach, educator, mentor, university representative, sponsor, donor or community leader, there is a place for you in this mission.

Recognize Excellence. Develop Character. Create Opportunity. Build Legacy.