Leading Association Again Recognizes PERK Program

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Trinity’s Physical Education, Recreation, and Kinesiology (PERK) program builds future leaders who understand fitness, sports, leisure, and good stewardship of the human body. And the PERK program has once again been recognized as a National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Education Recognition Program (ERP), the premier group in the field.

According to Associate Professor and PERK Chair Shari L. Jurgens, Ph.D., Trinity first achieved this recognition three years ago, and its ERP status has now been renewed for three more years. The designation applies to NSCA’s Personal Training and Strength and Conditioning recognition.

“It is quite an honor to have our program be recognized by the leading association in personal training and strength and conditioning in the country,” she said.

The NSCA ERP recognizes and distinguishes schools with standardized, approved strength and conditioning or personal training curricula in undergraduate and graduate settings designed to prepare students for the NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) and NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certifications. ”The NSCA Education Recognition Program (ERP) is the first step in laying the foundation to ensure excellence for students in the classroom, as well as a long-term professional success after graduation,” according to NSCA. “The ERP recognizes and distinguishes schools with strength and conditioning or personal training curricula that prepares students for NSCA certification exams.”

Trinity’s PERK program prepares graduates for success. For example, exercise science major  Shanna Grigoletti’s ’05 has opened her own gym and uses it as an outreach to the community. Grigoletti is grateful for the ways God grew her faith during her college years. “Trinity showed me that you need to step out of your bubble, love those around you, and open your eyes to the immense amount of opportunity that’s outside your front door,” she said. You can read more about her story here.