U.S. Olympic Athletes Partner with Guild for Post-Retirement Education Opportunities

Following a recent announcement by U.S. Olympic leaders, American Olympic athletes now have access to a new avenue for advancing their education and acquiring valuable skills for their post-athletic careers. This initiative comes as a result of a partnership between the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, organizers of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and the Denver-based education company Guild.

The Partnership

The collaboration is specifically designed to assist athletes in transitioning to the next phase of their lives after retiring from their athletic careers. Guild, the education company at the center of this partnership, offers over 250 educational opportunities through its online platform, catering to a wide range of needs for U.S. athletes. These offerings include undergraduate and graduate programs, certification programs, and career counseling, ensuring that athletes have access to a comprehensive set of resources.

Addressing Athletes' Needs

According to Carrie White, the vice president of athlete development and engagement at the USOPC, a recent survey revealed that approximately 60% of athletes aged 39 and below expressed a need for support in their career and professional development. Shortly after the program's launch, 95 athletes had already created profiles on the platform, indicating a strong initial response from the athletic community.

Guild's Mission and Impact

Bijal Shah, the CEO of Guild, highlighted the unique circumstances of Olympic and Paralympic athletes, noting that their focus on sports during their formative years often leaves them in need of critical skills for embarking on new careers. Guild, established in 2015, aims to address challenges such as the student debt crisis and the high cost of post-graduate studies, which can hinder individuals from pursuing further education. Shah emphasized that Guild's services present a valuable opportunity for athletes seeking to enhance their skill sets.

Employer Collaboration and Advantages

Shah also pointed out that Guild collaborates with prominent employers like Walmart, Chipotle, and Target, enabling their employees to access educational programs through the platform at no cost. Furthermore, individuals who engage with Guild are significantly more likely to advance within their companies, with wage increases approximately twice as large as those who do not participate in such programs.

Supporting Athletes' Well-Being

Jess Bartley, who oversees the USOPC’s psychological services department, emphasized the challenge of initiating discussions about post-retirement planning with athletes. This initiative aligns with the broader efforts of the USOPC and LA28 to prioritize the overall well-being of athletes beyond their performance on the field. Janet Evans, a four-time gold-medalist swimmer and the chief athlete officer at LA28, underscored Guild's vision as being in harmony with LA28’s commitment to supporting the holistic development of athletes.