KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Fourteen NAIA student-athletes, including IU Southeast sophomore Derek Gross, have been selected to participate in the 2012-13 Red Cross/NAIA Collegiate Leadership Program. The initiative is now in its sixth year, and will inspire, motivate and create a new and diverse generation of American Red Cross volunteers and leaders through exemplifying the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character program.

As part of its support of the Red Cross diversity initiatives, State Farm Insurance is sponsoring this partnership. The leadership program kicks off with two weeks of energetic training at the Red Cross National Headquarters located in Washington, D.C. from June 4 to June 15. The incoming class will participate in a rare and unique opportunity to acquire first-hand coaching, mentoring and professional leadership training presented by the Red Cross, one of the nation's largest non-profit organizations. In addition, Kristin Gillette, Director of Champions of Character, will hold character workshops during the two week leadership academy.