Project COURAGE Enhances More Than Cardio Spaces at North Carolina Central University

At North Carolina Central University (NCCU), the Recreation and Wellness Center went from outdated to decked out in new, Matrix equipment. NCCU is the first HBCU to partner with Matrix since the company’s launch of Project COURAGE, which supports 107 HBCUs in the U.S. The acronym stands for Creating Opportunities for the Under Represented through Authenticity Generosity and Engagement.

“When I reflect on the ‘G’ in the acronym, it really tells the story of how Project COURAGE has changed the landscape by providing opportunities for our students and professional staff,” says James Leach, associate director of recreation and wellness at NCCU, which acquired 10 training cycles, four treadmills, three ellipticals, one ClimbMill, three recumbent bikes and one upright bike through the assistance from Project COURAGE efforts.

Dr. Leach

“We have those spin bikes in a separate room, and we got a certification for that,” Leach says. “We have an instructor, and we hosted ‘Late night at the Rec’ and offered the opportunity to introduce the spin bikes to the population. All of our bikes were filled, which was great because it was new to some of our students.”

Leach explains that the response from students and community members has been amazing. With the student body at NCCU approaching 8,000, an updated campus rec space was paramount to student life. Of the two floors at Campus Recreation, the new Matrix equipment was allocated to the first floor. “When we were able to outfit the first level, the response was excellent,” he says. “They love it.”

Now, the students are eager for even more new equipment, and Leach says he’s focused on updating the second floor, where many of the old machines are difficult to repair when they break.

Along with the equipment, Matrix and Project COURAGE also sponsored the inaugural HBCU Unity Bowl Flag Football Tournament, paid for students and staff to attend the Southeast Fit Expo, sponsored fitness certifications for professional staff and sponsored professional development opportunities. Professional development has been a key focus for Leach and his team. In particular, Leach jumped on the opportunity from Matrix to host a Sprint 8 certification workshop at NCCU. The event was open to every HBCU in the Raleigh-Durham area, and Matrix sponsored the certifications for more than 10 participants. 

NCCU

“I can’t say enough about Matrix,” says Leach, “They are great. The customer service piece is excellent.”

A team from Matrix came down to NCCU to assess the facility, talk with Leach and his team about their needs and make recommendations on how to strategically lay out the new equipment in the facility. Leach was adamant, the Matrix representatives never felt like salespeople. 

“They really want to do things for the underserved community because they see the disparity, and they see the need for having these things in place for HBCUs, in particular,” he says.

As Leach explains, the buy-in from Matrix and Project COURAGE has been transformational, but he acknowledged that it took a great team to make the most out of all the opportunities at NCCU. Says Leach, “The dedication, energy, passion and growth of our staff has been remarkable. It’s been fun to watch and it’s been a blessing to be a part of.”

NCCU

Funding for a program is always a top concern for leadership in collegiate rec programs. For Leach and NCCU, as well as for all HBCUs in the U.S., the partnership with Matrix and Project COURAGE can elevate campus rec programs to the next level.

“The relationship with Matrix and Project COURAGE is going to help a lot of folks, because a lot of times we just don’t have the resources, and they’ll help,” Leach says. “They will build that bridge for equality.”