AFH University | Helping College Students Give Back

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AFH University

About the AFH University Program

While universities across the U.S. often provide volunteer opportunities to their student-athletes, they rarely offer the educational aspect that allows student-athletes to learn how to be effective volunteers and what community causes might align with their passions. AFH created AFH University (AFH U) to address this need and provide guidance to college athletes throughout their philanthropic journey.

AFH U began at the University of Virginia in 2013, and since that time, has expanded to 15 additional college campuses across the United States.

Map of the United States with all AFH U schools marked with their school logo.

Celebrating 10 Years of AFH University

  • Thousands of student-athletes engaged in AFH U
  • 125 sports teams from 24 universities & colleges trained through 179 educational workshops
  • 23,200+ hours of volunteer time by AFH U student-athletes
  • 966 community events hosted positively impacting 182 charities across 21 different causes
  • 165,187+ people positively impacted by AFH U Volunteers

Agents of Change Fundraiser

In honor and celebration of 10 years of AFH U, we are raising funds to support AFH’s ongoing efforts to educate and empower thousands of student-athletes from across the country to find their philanthropic passions and effectively take action to positively give back to underserved communities and causes.

To make a donation to help further current and future student-athlete impact, click here.

How We Help College Athletes Give Back

AFH U helps college athletes explore themes such as leadership, life skill development, advocacy, their role in the community, and how to discover their philanthropic passions through a series of facilitated workshops that mirror AFH’s Causeway workshop structure. AFH staff then works closely with each team to provide opportunities to engage in meaningful, impactful community work that align with the team’s passions.

AFH U provides student-athletes the opportunity to:

  1. Engage in meaningful, impactful community service
  2. Experience the benefits of engaging in student leadership and student self-governance
  3. Collaborate with student-athletes from other sports
  4. Increase their involvement with the rest of the University community and the local community

Resources

Are you an athlete heading out to your next school visit and need some ideas for activities to do with the kids? Check out these great examples of grouping games, inclusion activities, and more for your next school visit on our AFH Physical Activity Cheat Sheet or visit Nike’s helpful website HowToCoachKids.org.

Alumni Corner

Are you an AFH U alumni and want to connect after graduation? Looking for ways to do more service as an AFH Member athlete? Update your AFH U information using the contact link and we’ll get you connected to service!

We’d love to hear about your long-term service connections! Please take our short survey and let us know what you’ve done in your community after graduation.

2023 Highlights

Baton Rouge student-athletes make crafts with their new friends during the 9/11 community day of arts and unity.
Baton Rouge student-athletes make crafts with their new friends during the 9/11 community day of arts and unity.
Student-athletes from Southern University smile for a photo with elementary kids in the Baton Rouge community after a field day.
Student-athletes from Southern University smile for a photo with elementary kids in the Baton Rouge community after a field day.
An LSU volleyball team member teachers kids how to volley during Geux Day.
An LSU volleyball team member teachers kids how to volley during Geux Day.
A Clark Atlanta student-athlete poses with kids at the Boys & Girls Club after a day of learning dance.
A Clark Atlanta student-athlete poses with kids at the Boys & Girls Club after a day of learning dance.
Davidson football players smile for a photo with participants at their football skills clinic.
Davidson football players smile for a photo with participants at their football skills clinic.
Southern University student-athletes paint at the Scottlandville Beautification Project, an MLK Day volunteer opportunity.
Southern University student-athletes paint at the Scottlandville Beautification Project, an MLK Day volunteer opportunity.
Southern University softball players pose with a new hospital friend as she customizes a spacial pair of cleats.
Southern University softball players pose with a new hospital friend as she customizes a spacial pair of cleats. These cleats will be worn by the athletes in spring 2024 during the softball season.

2022 Highlights

A Bowie State University student-athlete poses for a photo while painting a pumpkin with a toddler during Da Thanks B4 Giving event.
A Bowie State student-athlete helps paint a pumpkin during a Thanksgiving event.
An LSU football member is smiling as he hands a swag bag to a young patient in the hospital.
An LSU football player hands his new friend a swag bag during a hospital visit.
A Southern University student-athlete poses with an elementary school class after reading books together.
A Southern University student-athlete poses with an elementary school class after reading books together.
LSU softball poses for a photo with their new friends at the Miracle League.
LSU softball poses for a photo with their new friends at the Miracle League.
Bowie State women's basketball team poses for a photo before taking part in a breast cancer awareness walk.
Bowie State women’s basketball team poses for a photo before taking part in a breast cancer awareness walk.
Members of the Emory women's basketball team create crafts with new friends at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.
Members of the Emory women’s basketball team create crafts with new friends at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
LSU Gymnastics team poses with trick or treaters at the 2022 LSU Halloween Boozar event
Members of the LSU gymnastics team pose with trick or treaters at the 2022 LSU Halloween Boozar event

2021 Highlights

LSU and Southern student-athletes pose with volunteers in front of a fire safety trailer.
LSU and Southern student-athletes and other volunteers at a 9/11 Day of Service event in Baton Rouge.
LSU student-athletes pose with about 20 elementary kids all wearing green shirts. They are standing on a field with an inflatable slide behind them.
LSU student-athletes at a 9/11 Day of Service field day in Baton Rouge.
Howard University student-athletes pose outside of the Bread for the City building, all smiling.
Howard University Football and Women’s Soccer after a Bread for the City visit.
A Southern University student-athlete holds a childnren's book to show the inside to elementary school students (not in the frame).
Southern University student-athlete reading to elementary school children in Baton Rouge,
Members of the Howard University women's soccer team post together outside a building.
Howard University Women’s Soccer at a 9/11 Day of Service event in D.C.
Howard University student-athletes wear masks at an indoor food pantry facility and pack grocery bags.
Howard University student-athletes at a local food bank.
Nine members of the Georgetown rowing team pose with face masks on and hairnets at a food distribution center.
Georgetown Women’s Rowing team poses before a food distribution visit.