We often take for granted that person who made a difference in our careers in athletics administration. Perhaps it was a coach, an academic advisor or faculty member who took the time to mentor and provide us with an opportunity to work under their guidance. Or perhaps this individual provided information on valuable entry-level opportunities when we weren't aware that any existed.

As we reflect on those professionals who have shaped our paths and who continue to mold our careers, we also should be reminded of the value of passing on and sharing the same opportunities with others.

As many of you are aware, the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics and the NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee established postgraduate scholarship and internship programs for women and ethnic minorities in the late 1980s. These programs were developed to enhance opportunities for ethnic minorities and women in intercollegiate athletics.

The young professionals who have matriculated through these programs have greatly benefited from this meaningful experience and have moved into many decision-making positions within intercollegiate athletics, thus accomplishing the goal of the programs. Today, because of these programs, many of our colleagues are contributing positively in athletics at both the collegiate and professional levels.

The career accomplishments of past interns and scholars are signs that the programs are working. The internship program alone has produced 67 new women and minority athletics administrators, 82 percent of the total number of interns since the program's inception in 1988.

The success of the NCAA internship program in particular should be a great source of pride. The knowledge, skills and work ethics developed

over the 12-month internship period is a direct reflection of the deliberate, conscious and voluntary relationships formed with national office staff members and with the membership.

The interpersonal support, guidance, mutual exchange, sharing of wisdom and role modeling that the staff provides is more than just on-the-job training.

The internship and scholarship programs have become highly competitive, and placement -- particularly with the internship program -- is high. Similarly, the postgraduate scholarship program offers a path into athletics administration for women and minorities who may not otherwise be aware of such opportunities.

Both programs become highlights on any prospect's résumé. Because these programs have been so well-established and so successful, many potential employees give special attention to applicants who have completed them. The placement numbers support this notion.

These programs should serve as models for member conferences and other groups to consider. At the recent NCAA Summit on Athletics Opportunities for Minority Women, in fact, both programs were targeted as examples -- and as programs that should be expanded or enhanced.

But it is apparent that not all member schools are aware of these opportunities. Each year, the number of applicants still pales in comparison to the number of potential candidates within the NCAA membership. It is imperative that schools find these candidates and encourage them to apply.

Scholarship and internship applications were mailed to each institution in November, and completed forms are due at the national office by February 15, 2000.

As proud products of the NCAA internship program, we encourage all schools to identify prospective candidates and share this information with them. It is as easy as simply handing a young person the application.

These programs have produced many success stories and have helped women and minorities who are pursuing careers in athletics administration to obtain meaningful positions. It's up to those of us who have gone through these programs -- the fraternity of those who have been placed -- to support those yet to come.

Our goal is to further diversify the face of intercollegiate athletics. Making sure that member schools provide candidates is the first step toward reaching that goal.

Lori Ebihara is the director of compliance at the Big 12 Conference, and Keith Grant is the assistant commissioner of the Northeast Conference. Both were members of the 1992-93 class of NCAA interns.