"Providing scholarships has given recipients opportunities to experience events most could only dream of. Listening to one of the recipients speak to her classmates concerning the exposure she received, all because of Project COURAGE, has permanently and positively impacted her life."

- Earnest Washington, Project COURAGE Advisory Panelist

"Serving on the Project COURAGE Advisory Panel has been both an honor and a deeply meaningful experience. This initiative is not only opening doors—it is transforming lives. By providing scholarships and professional development opportunities to HBCU students and staff within the fitness industry, Project COURAGE is actively investing in the future of campus recreation and promoting equity and access within our profession."

-Dr. Iisha Voltz, Executive Director of Campus Recreation, Texas Southern University

"The impact of this program is both profound and far-reaching, and it has been a privilege to witness the positive changes it fosters within our community. Their generous support has truly been a blessing, playing a pivotal role in my professional growth while also instilling in me a deeper understanding of the importance of giving back."

-Alicia Benson, Wellness & Outdoor Programs Coordinator, North Carolina Central University

"One shining example is Isaiah Taylor, a standout student leader who would have greatly benefited from attending the 2025 NIRSA Annual Conference. Unfortunately, our restricted budget made it impossible for us to support his participation. Recognizing the immense value this experience could bring to both Isaiah’s professional growth and our department’s future, we encouraged him to apply for the Project COURAGE 2025 Scholarship. Not only was Isaiah awarded the scholarship, but this opportunity enabled him to attend the NIRSA Annual Conference, connect with national peers, and return with innovative ideas and fresh perspectives that strengthened our programs. The story doesn’t end there—Isaiah graduated, and the knowledge, confidence, and network he built at the conference directly contributed to him securing a job in the field. Project COURAGE didn’t just help one student—it invested in the future of our department, advanced the professional pipeline, and proved that opportunities for growth can still flourish, even during challenging financial times."

-James B Leach, Director of Campus Recreation and Wellness, North Carolina Central University

"After I received the Project COURAGE Award, I did not know exactly what life was going to do, but I knew that based off of the people from Matrix, I would be happy with the outcome. I was surrounded by people who believed in me without even knowing who I was. Now I say it wasn’t as simple because I dealt with a lot of personal growth. It was time for me grow into someone outside of college. I couldn’t be the quiet, observant one and let things come to me. I had to be the outspoken, confident but still observant one, and little do they know, they helped me out with that extremely. They taught me how to walk into a room knowing no one, but leaving that room knowing everyone."

-Braxton Upton, Exercise Science Student, Central State University

"Being awarded the Project COURAGE Scholarship by Matrix was an honor. I took tremendous pride in representing Project COURAGE at the NIRSA [Annual] 2025 Conference. It was my first time attending a conference, and I have my Project COURAGE family to thank for providing the amazing opportunity. I left the conference with confidence about my career choice. It made me love recreation even more. I gained valuable knowledge from various professionals by attending different sessions at the conference."

-Brittney Brooks, Recreation Facility Manager, Walter Payton Recreation & Wellness Center at Jackson State University

“Through Project Courage, I gained the confidence, skills, and direction to take my first real step into my career and attending the annual conference, meeting people from diverse backgrounds across the recreation community, gave me the insight and inspiration to chart exactly where I wanted to go. Now, I’m proud to serve as a Sports Director for the YMCA, where I oversee all of our youth sports programming.”

-Isaiah Taylor, YMCA Sports Director, Former Student at North Carolina Central University when awarded Project COURAGE scholarship

"I am deeply honored and sincerely grateful to have been selected as a recipient of support through Matrix and Project Courage. This opportunity represents more than just a personal achievement, it is a powerful reminder that my efforts, values, and potential are being recognized and supported by communities that truly care about student development, leadership, and resilience. Through this experience, I feel encouraged to step more confidently into leadership roles and to continue promoting positive change in both my academic and personal life. Project Courage reminds me that even through adversity, there is strength to be found in vulnerability, courage, and community.

My involvement with Project Courage has been both deeply meaningful and professionally enriching. One of the most memorable experiences during my time at the conference was participating in the HBCU roundtable. The discussion was an open exchange of ideas focused on innovative and culturally relevant programming for students. It was incredibly insightful to hear how colleagues from other institutions approach engagement, community building, and student development in ways that honor and reflect their campus culture. I also had the opportunity to share my own strategies and successful initiatives, contributing to a collaborative atmosphere where everyone could learn from one another.

I am committed to making the most of this experience and to carrying forward the values that Matrix and Project Courage represent."

-Dr. Jerry Davis, Wellness Director, Tennessee State University