The Nfhs Learning Center, a leading platform for online education in interscholastic athletics and activities, has achieved a remarkable milestone, delivering its 25 millionth course in the past month. This achievement underscores the significant impact of the NFHS Learning Center in enhancing professional development and fostering excellence within the educational sports community since its inception in 2007.
A Legacy of Growth and Educational Impact
Initially launched as the NFHS Coach Education Program, the NFHS Learning Center has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from its initial offering of just two coaching courses – Fundamentals of Coaching and First Aid for Coaches – to an extensive catalog of over 100 online educational courses. Remarkably, more than 75 of these valuable resources are available completely free of charge, demonstrating the NFHS Learning Center’s commitment to accessible education. The breadth of the NFHS Learning Center’s curriculum spans across 17 diverse sports, incorporating both sport-specific training and comprehensive performing arts programs. Its reach extends to a vast network encompassing 51-member state associations, over 19,000 high schools, and an impressive 12 million students, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of interscholastic development. Further validating its dedication to educational excellence, the NFHS Learning Center earned accreditation from Cognia in 2022, a testament to its adherence to rigorous standards and continuous pursuit of improvement.
“The delivery of over 25 million courses is a powerful testament to the dedication of our member state associations and their affiliated schools,” stated Dan Schuster, NFHS Director of Educational Services. “Their proactive engagement in professional development through the NFHS Learning Center directly benefits young individuals and enriches interscholastic programs across the nation.”
Health and Safety Education: A Priority
Since their introduction in 2010, health and safety courses have consistently ranked as the most popular and frequently accessed resources within the NFHS Learning Center. The launch of “Concussion in Sports” marked a pivotal moment, becoming a cornerstone course that alone accounts for 8.5 million course completions. Other impactful health and safety courses, including “Sudden Cardiac Arrest,” “Heat Illness Prevention,” and “Concussion for Students,” collectively contribute to nearly 17 million of the 25 million total courses delivered. This highlights the critical role the NFHS Learning Center plays in prioritizing student well-being and safety within interscholastic activities.
Expanding Horizons with New Course Offerings
Building on its previous milestone of 20 million courses delivered in the fall of 2023, the NFHS Learning Center continues to expand its educational offerings to address the evolving needs of the interscholastic community. Recent additions to the course catalog include diverse subjects such as “Directing Plays,” catering to performing arts educators; “Developing Youth Through Sport,” focusing on holistic athlete development; “Administering Interscholastic Unified Sports,” promoting inclusive sports programs; “The Female and Male Athlete Triad,” addressing specific health concerns of young athletes; “Collecting Stats” for various sports, enhancing data-driven coaching; and “Coaching Student Leadership,” fostering leadership skills in student-athletes. This continuous expansion ensures the NFHS Learning Center remains at the forefront of relevant and impactful educational resources.
The NFHS Learning Center also proudly upholds its commitment to foundational coaching principles through its flagship course, Fundamentals of Coaching. This essential course has reached over one million coaches since 2007 and remains a cornerstone of the NFHS Learning Center, emphasizing the crucial role of coaches in education-based athletic settings.
Looking Ahead: Continuing to Serve the Interscholastic Community
“The NFHS Learning Center is dedicated to expanding its reach and impact within the interscholastic community through its comprehensive courses and resources,” affirmed Schuster. “By increasing participation in professional development, we collectively enhance the interscholastic experience for young people across the country involved in these vital programs. Reaching 25 million courses is a significant stride in this ongoing mission, and we are committed to continued growth and service.” The NFHS Learning Center remains a vital resource, empowering educators, coaches, and students alike to achieve excellence and ensure positive, enriching experiences in interscholastic sports and activities.
