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For the Athletes After Athletics.
Sports End. Life Doesn't.
Investing in Purpose Beyond the Game.
Our Purpose
College athletes dedicate years to developing the discipline, resilience, and determination required to compete at a high level. But when their collegiate athletic careers end, many face a new set of challenges as they transition into the next chapter of their lives.
For those pursuing graduate and professional education, financial barriers can make that transition even more difficult.
The Soraya Foundation was established to help bridge that gap. We provide scholarship support to former NCAA Division I student-athletes pursuing graduate and professional education beyond their bachelor’s degree.
We exist to help bridge the financial gap many athletes face after college.
Higher Education.
New Financial Challenges.
What changed.
Beginning July 1, 2026, federal student loan changes eliminated access to Grad PLUS loans for most new graduate and professional borrowers.
These loans previously allowed eligible students to finance additional educational expenses up to their institutions's cost of attendance, minus other financial assistance.
3.1M
Graduate students nationwide
74%
Graduate students receiving financial aid
The Numbers Behind the Mission
23%
Student-athletes planning postgraduate education
42%
Graduate students taking out loans.
National Student Clearinghouse (2026), NCAA GOALS Survey, and U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (2019–20).
More Than Financial Support.
The Soraya Foundation supports former college athletes as they move from competition into postgraduate education and professional life.
01
Scholarship Funding
We provide financial assistance to help recipients manage the cost of graduate and professional education.
02
Personalized Mentorship
Each recipient is matched with a mentor whose educational and professional experience aligns with the path they are pursuing.
03
Transition Coaching
Recipients receive individual coaching designed to help them build clarity, confidence, purpose, and stability after athletics.
04
Financial Guidance
Recipients receive financial-literacy education and personalized guidance to help them prepare for postgraduate life and make informed financial decisions.
Every Scholarship Has a Story.
Our mission comes to life through the individuals we support. Each Soraya Scholar represents a new opportunity to carry the discipline, resilience, and determination developed through athletics into a meaningful future.
As our Foundation grows, we look forward to investing in more student-athletes and sharing the stories of those pursuing their purpose beyond the game.
Feature your first scholarship recipient here.