MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama State University strategic communications staff member Khalil Stewart has been selected as one of 22 recipients nationwide to receive a 2026 CSC Unite Convention Attendance Grant from College Sports Communicators (CSC).
Chosen from a competitive pool of more than 130 applicants, Stewart will attend the CSC Unite 2026 Convention held June 7–10 at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas.
The grant includes complimentary convention registration and up to $1,000 in reimbursement for travel, lodging, and meal expenses. As part of the award, Stewart will assist on-site with convention operations, including registration, social media content production, ticket distribution at social events, and other event support duties.
The CSC Unite Convention serves as the association's premier professional development opportunity, bringing together communications professionals from across collegiate athletics to collaborate, learn, and advance the profession.
"The convention grant program reflects CSC's ongoing commitment to access, inclusion, and professional development," said CSC Executive Director Jason Yaman. "We congratulate the 22 recipients selected for 2026 and look forward to their participation at the annual convention. By supporting our members' ability to attend, connect, and learn, CSC continues to invest in the future of college sports communications."
Now in its 11th year, the CSC Convention Attendance Grant program has distributed nearly $190,000 to 238 members to assist with convention-related expenses. The initiative began in 2014 with 10 recipients and has since expanded to 22 annual grants, including designated awards supporting ethnic minority professionals. Beginning in 2017, the stipend increased to $1,000 per recipient.
In addition, CSC continues its partnership with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) through the NCAA Inclusion CSC Convention Grant program, which provides additional opportunities for members from diverse backgrounds to attend the convention and engage in leadership development experiences.
Stewart's selection highlights Alabama State's continued commitment to professional growth and excellence in athletic communications. His participation in the national convention will further strengthen the department's storytelling, branding, and strategic communications efforts in support of Hornet student-athletes.
