ALPs University provides educational programs for Special Olympics athletes in a variety of leadership topics. Students and graduates of ALPs University work with State, Area, and County Programs to promote, support and improve Special Olympics in Indiana.
County Programs must have attended an ALPs Program Certification course and appoint a volunteer to be the Program’s ALPs Coordinator.
The first step in becoming an ALPs University student is completing the 8-hour Introduction to Athlete Leadership course, which culminates with the athlete selecting a major area of concentration for future studies.
Athletes will select one of three majors based on their personal mission statement prepared during introductory sessions in ALPs University. Athlete leaders may select a course of study in either Communication, Sports, or Governance. Classes will be offered on a rotating basis so that athletes can progress toward a graduate certificate.
To receive credit for each class, an athlete and his/her helper must attend the class followed by practical application in their County Program.
Each athlete attending an ALPs University course must be accompanied by a helper (volunteer) who works 1-on-1 with the athlete during each class and locally during the required practical experience. Parents may not serve as helpers to their son or daughter. Helpers should agree to a one-year commitment to work with his/her athlete.
COURSE CURRICULUM FOR ALPs UNIVERSITY
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Introduction to Athlete Leadership
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Communication Major
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Sports Major
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Governance Major
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Global Messenger I
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Athletes as Coaches
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Governance I
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PowerPoint or Technology I
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Sports Skills Course
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PowerPoint or Technology I
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Global Messenger II
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Athletes as Officials
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Governance II
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Leadership
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Each class is an 8-hour course. Introduction to Athlete Leadership is the required first course and Leadership is the final course. Courses in the athlete’s area of concentration require participation in the class and completion of a practicum within 6 months. (Exceptions to the six-month rule will be granted if an athlete chooses to coach a sport that does not take place within that timeframe.)
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