CLEVELAND -- The National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD) announced a strategic evolution in its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, built on the strong foundation of the Association's Diversity Working Group.

Initially formed in July 2020, the NAADD Diversity Working Group served as an advisory body to the NAADD Executive Committee and played a vital role in cultivating a pipeline for minority professionals in collegiate athletics development. Through education, advocacy, and awareness, the group supported programming and helped shape NAADD's inclusive culture. The organization has grown and progressed thanks to the dedication and leadership of this group, and NAADD expresses its deepest gratitude to all who contributed.

As NAADD continues to evolve with the changing landscape of intercollegiate athletics, the Association announces the formation of the Inclusive Excellence Committee, a restructured and renamed body that will continue to champion inclusive practices across the industry. This committee will oversee key initiatives, including the Diversity Initiative Stipend, which now offers up to $2,500 to 40 individuals to attend the NAADD Convention in June—doubling the reach and impact of previous years. The application for the Diversity Initiative Stipend will launch Monday, November 3.

Additionally, NAADD is launching the application for the Earl Edwards Inclusive Development Program, an expanded version of the former Earl Edwards Minority Student Development Program. This initiative is designed to identify and engage talented minority individuals. NEW this year, this initiative will now be open to all students and athletics administrators who are interested in exploring careers in athletics development, not just student-athletes.

The program will run from January to June and includes a series of virtual and in-person engagements, mentorship opportunities, and a potential Convention experience. Participants will receive a $500 stipend to support program-related activities, and will benefit from exposure to industry leaders, understanding the fundamentals of athletics development and career planning insight.

NAADD invites interested individuals to apply for the 2026 cohort of the Earl Edwards Inclusive Development Program. Applications open November 3 and will close November 30. A limited number of spots are available. Selected participants will be announced in December.

This transition marks a new chapter in NAADD's commitment to inclusive excellence—one that honors the legacy of past efforts while expanding opportunities for future leaders in collegiate athletics development.

About NAADD: NAADD is the first organization of its kind to provide educational and networking opportunities, enhancement of acceptable operating standards and ethics, and establishment of the overall prestige and understanding of the profession of athletics development and fund raising. For more information about NAADD, please visit www.naadd.com. NAADD is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 61^th year. For more information on NACDA and the 19 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.