CertificationPoint, a pioneer in career readiness and project-based learning, proudly announces a groundbreaking initiative within its Career Gateway Path Program: Non-Athlete NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities for traditional students. This innovative approach empowers students outside of athletics to monetize their personal brand and professional skills while gaining verified work experience through CertificationPoint’s Work eXperience Builders (WXBs) platform.
“With the rising impact of NIL rights, it’s time traditional students — creatives, tech innovators, entrepreneurs — have equitable opportunities to leverage their name and image in meaningful ways,” said Byron Giles, CEO of CertificationPoint. “Our Career Gateway Path Program breaks new ground by providing a structured pathway for students to build, showcase, and capitalize on their unique personal brands through real work and digital credentials.”
What is Non-Athlete NIL in the Career Gateway Path Program?
Traditionally, NIL rights have focused on college athletes. CertificationPoint’s new model expands NIL to include non-athlete students, allowing them to:
- Earn income by participating in real-world projects and gigs via WEBs
- Build a personal brand anchored in their skills and digital achievements
- Leverage digital credentials like Verified Work Experience badges and Certified Cats NFTs
- Engage in mentorship and career coaching to refine their public image and marketability
This program supports students in fields like technology, business, marketing, design, and content creation, enabling them to turn personal skills and achievements into tangible career assets.
Work Experience Builders (WEBs) Powering NIL Monetization
CertificationPoint’s WEBs are short-term, remote, paid projects with real clients, giving learners authentic experience. These projects help students:
- Build portfolios of verified work
- Develop marketable skills aligned with certifications (CompTIA, Google, AWS, etc.)
- Gain mentorship from industry professionals
- Receive compensation while building their personal brand
n the Career Gateway Path, traditional students use their verified project work and digital badges as leverage to promote their NIL, creating opportunities for sponsorships, collaborations, freelance gigs, or entrepreneurial ventures.
Benefits for Traditional Students
- Earn while you learn through paid projects
- Mentorship to grow your personal and professional brand
- Digital badges and NFTs to showcase verified skills
- New NIL opportunities beyond athletics
- Career readiness tools including portfolio building and job matching
Who Can Participate?
The Non-Athlete NIL initiative is open to:
- Traditional college students in business, tech, arts, and STEM fields
- High school juniors and seniors preparing for postsecondary careers
- Adult learners seeking to build or pivot careers
- Veterans and career changers looking to monetize skills
CertificationPoint collaborates with colleges, high schools, workforce agencies, and community partners to expand access.
🗓️ Spring 2025 Enrollment Open Now
🗓️ Enrollment Window: December 5 2025 – January 5, 2026
🌐 Apply: www.certificationpoint.org
📍 Serving students nationally
About CertificationPoint
CertificationPoint is a national career readiness platform focused on bridging the gap between education and employment. Through project-based learning, digital credentials, and innovative programs like the Career Gateway Path, CertificationPoint empowers learners with real-world skills, mentorship, and unique opportunities such as Non-Athlete NIL monetization.