Texas A&M Students Award $170K to Local Nonprofits in Brazos Valley

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) — Thirty-one students from the Mays Business School distributed approximately $170,000 among ten distinct nonprofit organizations on Thursday afternoon.

It was part of the ninth yearly Strategic Philanthropy Check celebration for the Strategic Philanthropy course.

“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.”

The students found this experience to be highly valuable.

"Understanding the importance of contributing to those who are in need—whether it’s through financial support or personal time—and ensuring that regardless of where life takes us post-college, we remain attentive to the requirements of the surrounding community," said junior Mary Claire Simpson when discussing her involvement with the program and event.

The nonprofits honored included:

1. AVM Alliance
2. BEE Community
3. Elizabeth House Maternity Home
4. Mercy Project
5. OnRamp
6. Scotty’s House
7. Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC)
8. SOS Ministries
9. The Bridge Ministries
10. 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 instances in life allow someone to experience what I refer to as a 'stone in the pond' moment, where one can choose a pebble, toss it into the water, and generate ripples that last longer than the instant," stressed Colby Street, who serves as the executive director at Bridge Ministries. "This is precisely what transpired today—not only for our group but also for every nonprofit present. The effects and blessings bestowed upon us by this cohort will resonate with us well into the future.

Since 2016, Mays students have allocated $1.4 million to local nonprofits, with approximately 400 students completing the course.

"When students engage in charitable activities, they develop a more profound understanding of community requirements along with an increased feeling of duty and direction. This program prepares aspiring business professionals to analyze community involvement, effect, and kindness thoughtfully. It moves past just issuing donations; it focuses on instructing students to guide with empathy," explained Professor Kyle Gammenthaler.