Welcome to our 2025 Student-Athletes!
Congratulations to the 69 student-athletes from 42 high schools across three states selected to join our 2025 “5 Practices of Success” Coaching & Scholarship Program! Thank you to all the student-athletes who applied and our incredible school partners for helping us identify your gritty and coachable student-athletes.
Student-Athletes
Handshake America Student-Athletes are a diverse group of high school students; who come
from different schools, different families, and different backgrounds, but they all share
three common traits. The students in the Handshake America Program want to continue their
education after high school, they're coachable, and they have grit.
Handshake America believes that with these qualities, students have what it takes to be successful in life. The Handshake America Program provides student-athletes with an opportunity to get out of their hometown “bubbles” and connect with their peers as well as adults who have had success in their lives. The students learn that these common traits will help drive them to success.
Western North Carolina Alumni & Current Student-Athletes share their program experience.
Apply to be a Handshake America Student-Athlete
student-athlete applications (FOR 2026) are due November 19, 2025
Prior to applying, please click on and read the Program Information below:
As part of your application, you will be asked to submit an essay (typically 200+ words) describing a life experience or aspect about yourself that demonstrates you have the mindset and desire to be a part of this program and the aspiration to join a national community of leaders who unite and inspire others.
Click link below to apply. From the Login Screen select “Create Account” to begin your application.