University. The program matches undergraduate students with a local non- profit advisory board. This experience provides students the opportunity to be exposed to community leadership, non-profit management and governance and gain valuable skills and experience as future community leaders.Fellows commit to one year serving as a non-voting member on a local nonprofit board of directors and getting insight into the administrative operations behind one of the university’s many unique and active Community Partners. The Fellows cohort also meet throughout the year to discuss nonprofit leadership and other critical issues in the sector.
The first cohort consisted of 10 Fellows placed at 9 non-profits. According to 2012-13 Fellow, Shady Kimzey, “It has been highly encouraging to be a member of a group where each individual is both business and socially minded. I have learned not only how to be a better Public Relations major, but also a better community member in society.” Another student, Jay Williams says that “Of all the enriching elements of my time at Appalachian, none have meant more than the opportunities to enrich those around us through partnerships such as the Board Fellows.”
However, the program is not just beneficial to the students as evidenced by the reflections of Jennifer Grubb, Executive Director of Western Youth Network, an organization that provides prevention and intervention programs for youth in the High Country region. She stated that “Our Board Fellow brings us so much energy, and he has brought fresh ideas to our group. I have been so impressed with his professionalism!” ACT is currently accepting applications for the 2013-14 cohort.
Learn more here: http://act.appstate.edu/asu-board-fellows.