Founded by Dr. Richard Lapchick, in 1985 as the National Consortium for Academics & Sports (NCAS) and later renamed in 2018 as the Institute For Sport & Social Justice (Institute). The primary goal of the NCAS, at the time, was to create a first of its kind, a Degree Completion Program (DCP) for former student-athletes in conjunction with a community service program. As a result of Dr. Lapchick’s passion for sport and social justice, the Institute has made substantial contributions to the sport industry:
- Creator – TEAMWORK Leadership Institute (TLI – diversity and inclusion training program, 1985 – 2020)
- Creator – Mentors In Violence Prevention (MVP – gender violence prevention training program, 1987 – 2018)
- Recipient – Peter F. Drucker Foundation Award
- Recognition – MVP named “most innovative gender violence prevention program” by the Clinton Administration
- For over 35 years, the Institute For Sport & Social Justice, formerly the National Consortium for Academics & Sports, has been the most cutting edge organization that is using the power and appeal of sport to positively impact social change in society.
“CHANGING LIVES THROUGH THE POWER OF SPORT”

Chaunte Lowe, A Hero Among Us
Every other time, I’ve ran for myself, my kids, my family, for my country. But this time, it’s not about me. It’s more about any woman, any person, that could contract this disease. If they hear my story, maybe they’ll get checked. I know that it will save lives.
