Texas A&M business students grant $170K to 10 Brazos Valley nonprofits
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – 31 students in the Mays Business School handed out $170,000 to 10 different nonprofits
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) – 31 students in the Mays Business School handed out $170,000 to 10 different nonprofits on Thursday afternoon.
It was part of the ninth annual Strategic Philanthropy Check Celebration for the Strategic Philanthropy class.
“The first step was getting into contact with the group or the owner of the nonprofit that we were placed with. Then we did a couple of company visits, and that really involved going out on site, seeing their offices, and asking all the important questions that we needed to ask in order to get a good grasp on the organization as a whole,” said Texas A&M sophomore Irene Munoz. “Then we got to present all our findings and vouch for our organization in front of our entire classroom.”
Students said this experience was very worthwhile.
“Recognizing the value of being able to give back to those in need- whether that is through money or through our time- and just making sure that wherever we are, wherever we end up after college, that we’re just paying attention to the needs of the communities around us,” junior Mary Claire Simpson explained her connection to the program and event.
The nonprofits honored included:
- AVM Alliance
- BEE Community
- Elizabeth House Maternity Home
- Mercy Project
- OnRamp
- Scotty’s House
- Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC)
- SOS Ministries
- The Bridge Ministries
- VOOM Foundation
“It means everything to us because this is actually the largest donation we’ve ever received and it will go to help saving our kids lives,” explained President and Executive Director of AVM Alliance Raylene Lewis.
Many of the nonprofit directors were grateful to be selected.
“A few times in life, a person’s lucky enough to have a what I call a ‘stone in the pond’ moment where we have the opportunity to pick up a stone, throw it in the pond and create a ripple that outlasts that moment,” Colby Street, executive director of Bridge Ministries, emphasized. “That’s what happened today. Not just for our organization, but all the nonprofits here. We’re going to feel the impact and the blessing of this class- this organization- for years to come.”
Mays students have distributed $1.4 million to local nonprofits since 2016, and 400 students have taken the course.
“When students participate in philanthropy, they gain a deeper insight into community needs and a greater sense of responsibility and purpose. This course equips future business students to think critically about community engagement, impact, and generosity. It goes beyond simply writing checks. It’s about teaching students to lead with compassion,” added Professor Kyle Gammenthaler.
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