Sports & Mental Health Academic Internship

# Sports & Mental Health Academic Internship
The Flyght Preparatory School
A First-of-Its-Kind Partnership



Program Overview

Join us in making history! This groundbreaking academic internship represents the first collaboration of its kind between The Flyght Preparatory School and Voice Up, a global organization that currently reaches and connects with students spanning over 1,100 cities in 60 countries throughout the world. We are launching an innovative new way of learning for student athletes beginning Fall 2025 in Trotwood, Ohio.

Our Mission: To create a revolutionary educational model that integrates sports performance with mental health awareness, purpose discovery, and community revitalization through the power of student-athlete development.

Your Global Opportunity: Be part of launching a grassroots movement that transforms how we approach education, athletics, and mental wellness for student athletes, their families, and entire communities. Through Voice Up's expansive network you'll have the unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, share ideas, and learn from innovative aspiring leaders across multiple disciplines. This global perspective helps make all ideas bigger and better, focused on connecting people to their purpose.



Internship Structure & Flexibility

100% Flexible Participation Options

Choose Your Path:

100% Remote Internship
- Work entirely online with global collaboration tools
- Perfect for students anywhere in the world
- Full access to digital resources and virtual mentorship
- Regular video conferences and online collaboration sessions

Hybrid Internship (50/50)
- 50% remote work with flexible scheduling
- 50% on-site at The Flyght Preparatory School campus in Trotwood, Ohio
- Hands-on experience with student athletes and families
- Direct involvement in program launch activities

100% On-Site Internship
- Full immersion in the campus environment
- Direct mentorship from program leaders
- Real-time collaboration with students, families, and community members
- Leadership opportunities in program implementation

Commitment Options
- Minimum: 3 months (12 weeks)
- Standard: 4 months (16 weeks)
- Extended: 6 months (24 weeks)
- Special Circumstances: Custom arrangements considered for exceptional candidates or unique academic requirements



Focus Areas: Sports & Mental Health Integration

Core Research & Development Tracks

Sports Psychology & Performance
- Develop mental health resources for student athletes
- Create assessment tools for athletic performance and psychological well-being
- Research the connection between purpose discovery and athletic achievement
- Design interventions for performance anxiety, stress management, and resilience building
- Mentorship Component: Serve as mentors for middle and high school aspiring college student athletes on The Flyght Preparatory School campus, sharing your experience and insights

Community Mental Health Impact
- Study the ripple effects of student athlete mental wellness on families and communities
- Develop programs that address mental health stigma in athletic environments
- Create resource networks for families navigating student athlete challenges
- Research community revitalization through sports-based mental health initiatives

Educational Innovation & Wellness
- Design curriculum that integrates academic learning with mental health awareness
- Develop assessment methods for measuring purpose connection in student athletes
- Create learning pods that support both academic achievement and psychological well-being
- Research alternative education models and their impact on student athlete development

Technology & Digital Wellness
- Develop digital tools for mental health tracking and support
- Create online resources for remote student athlete support
- Design virtual reality applications for mental health training
- Build platforms for peer support and community connection



Learning Outcomes & Competencies

By the end of this internship, you will have:

Academic & Research Skills
- Conducted original research in sports psychology and mental health
- Developed and implemented evidence-based interventions
- Created assessment tools and measurement protocols
- Produced publishable research findings and recommendations

Professional Development
- Gained hands-on experience in program development and launch
- Built professional networks in education, sports, and mental health
- Developed grant writing and fundraising skills
- Enhanced project management and team leadership abilities
- Mentorship Leadership: Developed mentoring and coaching skills by working directly with middle and high school student athletes aspiring to compete at the collegiate level

Personal Growth
- Deepened understanding of your own purpose and career direction
- Developed cultural competency working with diverse communities
- Enhanced communication skills across multiple stakeholder groups
- Built resilience and adaptability in startup environments
- Mentorship Experience: Gained valuable leadership skills by serving as mentors for middle and high school aspiring college student athletes on The Flyght Preparatory School campus



Target Candidates

Undergraduate Students
Ideal Majors:
- Psychology / Sports Psychology
- Exercise Science / Kinesiology
- Social Work / Counseling
- Education / Physical Education
- Public Health / Community Health
- Communications / Media Studies

Minimum Requirements:
- Junior or Senior standing (60+ credit hours completed)
- 3.0 GPA or higher
- Demonstrated interest in sports and/or mental health
- Strong written and verbal communication skills

Athletes Strongly Encouraged: Current undergraduate students who are athletes at any level - from intramural through Division 1 - are strongly encouraged to apply. Your lived experience as a student athlete provides invaluable perspective for this program.

Graduate Students
Ideal Programs:
- Master's in Sports Psychology
- Master's in Clinical/Counseling Psychology
- Master's in Social Work (MSW)
- Master's in Education / Educational Leadership
- Master's in Public Health
- PhD programs in related fields

Minimum Requirements:
- Currently enrolled in graduate program
- 3.2 GPA or higher
- Previous research or practical experience preferred
- Ability to work independently and manage complex projects

Athletes Strongly Encouraged: Current graduate students who are athletes at any level - from intramural through Division 1 - are strongly encouraged to apply. Your unique perspective as both an advanced student and active athlete makes you an ideal candidate for this groundbreaking program.



Application Requirements

Required Materials
1. Academic Resume/CV highlighting relevant coursework, research, and experience
2. Cover Letter (500-750 words) addressing:
- Why you're passionate about sports and mental health integration
- How this internship aligns with your academic and career goals
- Which participation option you prefer (remote, hybrid, or on-site) and why
- Your preferred commitment length and availability

3. Academic Transcripts (unofficial acceptable for initial application)

4. Two Professional References (professors, supervisors, or mentors)

5. Portfolio Piece - Choose one:
- Research paper or project related to sports, mental health, or education
- Creative project demonstrating your passion for the field
- Case study or program proposal you've developed
- Video presentation (3-5 minutes) on your vision for student athlete mental health

Supplemental Questions (250 words each)
1. "Describe a time when you witnessed or experienced the connection between athletic performance and mental well-being."
2. "How do you envision technology being used to support student athlete mental health in the next five years?"
3. "What role do you think families and communities play in student athlete mental wellness?"



Program Benefits & Compensation

Academic Credit
- Work with your institution to earn 3-12 credit hours
- Structured learning objectives and assessment criteria
- Faculty supervision coordination available
- Portfolio development for academic requirements

Professional Development
- Mentorship from industry leaders in sports psychology and education
- Global Collaboration: Connect with innovative leaders across Voice Up's network of 1,100+ universities in 60 countries
- Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Share ideas and collaborate with aspiring leaders across multiple fields and cultures
- Access to professional conferences and training opportunities
- Certificate of completion from Voice Up and The Flyght Preparatory School
- Letter of recommendation upon successful completion

International Networking & Career Opportunities
- Direct access to Voice Up's global network spanning 60 countries
- Cross-cultural collaboration opportunities with international students and professionals
- Connections with NCAA programs and professional sports organizations worldwide
- Introduction to graduate programs and career opportunities globally
- Alumni network of program graduates across multiple continents
- Purpose-Driven Network: Connect