College Readiness Day is an educational experience designed to prepare high school students and student-athletes for the transition from high school to college, with a special focus on the opportunities available through college athletics.

The program will help students understand the complete path from high school to college—from academic preparation and standardized testing to financial aid, FAFSA, scholarships, admissions, NCAA eligibility, recruiting and choosing the right college and athletic program.

For student-athletes, understanding these areas early can make the difference between simply being talented and actually being prepared to compete at the next level. NCAA eligibility depends on academic coursework, grades, core-course requirements, transcripts and athletics-related requirements and Division I and Division II student-athletes must complete the appropriate NCAA Eligibility Center process.

Students will also learn how recruiting works, how to communicate with college coaches, how to build and present themselves as student-athletes, the importance of game film and exposure, campus visits, scholarships and financial aid and how to evaluate whether a school is the right academic, athletic and personal fit. The NCAA emphasizes that academics are part of the recruiting process and that students should increasingly take ownership of their communication with coaches as they move through high school.

College athletics also looks very different than it did for previous generations. Today's student-athletes have opportunities involving NIL, expanded recruiting pathways, transfers, scholarships and financial resources, making it more important than ever for young athletes and their families to understand the landscape before making major decisions. NCAA Division I programs also provide resources such as academic counseling, career development, financial literacy, nutrition, strength and conditioning and NIL education.

College Readiness Day is ultimately about helping young people understand that the goal isn't simply to get a scholarship—it is to build a pathway toward a degree, athletic opportunity, financial stability and life after sports. WBF wants students to leave with knowledge, resources and a clear plan for their next step.