Sports and Society Institute: Creating Opportunities Through Sports

The Sports and Society Institute (SSI) at The Ohio State University explores how sports shape our lives far beyond the game. Led by Director Nicole Kraft of the School of Communication, SSI brings together faculty and experts in sociology, economics, sports industry, sports medicine, and social work, alongside partners from Ohio State Athletics, the Ohio High School Athletic Association, and the Columbus Sports Commission. An advisory board of distinguished Ohio State alumni and sports industry leaders helps guide its mission.

As Kraft explains,"Our goal is to build a much stronger understanding of the connection between sports and society and how it influences us far beyond any game or season." 

Why Your Support Matters

As SSI transitions from an initiative to an official institute, demand for its programs continues to grow. Your gift helps fund:

• Student internships and experiential learning opportunities
• Travel to conferences and major sporting events
• Mentorship and career readiness programs
• Research projects examining the impact of sports on society
• Access to industry experts, networking opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences 

Invest in the Future of Sports and Society

Sports have the power to educate, unite, inspire, and transform lives. By supporting SSI, you help students gain career-defining experiences, advance innovative research, and strengthen conversations that shape the future of sports.

How SSI Makes an Impact

Research

SSI supports groundbreaking graduate and undergraduate research that examines the role of sports in society. Through initiatives such as the National Sports and Society Survey and faculty-led research collaborations, SSI advances knowledge on topics ranging from athlete well-being to social and cultural issues in sports.

Public Programming

SSI creates opportunities for students, faculty, alumni, and the public to engage in conversations about important issues in sports, including athlete equality, mental health, sports analytics, leadership, and the future of the industry. During 2025-26, SSI hosted dozens of impactful programs, including the Ohio State Sports Analytics Conference and career-focused events featuring leaders from across the sports world.

Career Readiness

Preparing students for success is at the heart of SSI's mission. Through internships, mentorship, networking opportunities, career fairs, and immersive experiences at events such as the NCAA Women's Final Four and Gasparilla Bowl, students gain the skills, connections, and confidence needed to thrive in the sports industry.

2025-2026 By the Numbers

• 134 student club members, with more than 50% women.
• 15 student interns gaining hands-on professional experience.
• More than 1,000 students engaged through career fairs and professional development events.
• 81 interns supported and 27 major events hosted during SSI's first decade.
• A growing mentorship network connecting students directly with sports industry professionals. 

Your gift will provide students with the opportunities, mentorship, and real-world experiences they need to succeed while advancing Ohio State's leadership in sports and society. Join us in building the next generation of sports leaders. Make your gift today.

Questions? Call our Engagement Center at (614) 292-2281 and please be sure to update your Ohio State contact information.

Your gift may be eligible for a corporate match! Check if your company has a matching gift policy here.

How and where you choose to make your philanthropic impact is a very personal decision. Contact David Precise (precise.2@osu.edu) to explore giving opportunities that match your interests, legacy giving, or endowment funds.