Allie Bender, senior in Animal Science, and Heidi Nyhus, junior in Public Service and Administration in Agriculture, are getting the opportunity to work in close conjunction with non-profit programs here in Ames. The opportunity comes through the Non-Profit Protégé Program through Iowa State. Both Student Activities Center and United Way of Story County (UWSC) collaborate to keep the program running. Applications for the program come out in January, and the protégés serve for the fall semester.

Students interested first fill out an application where they share their volunteering and leadership experiences and why they are interested in the position, and are required to include a recommendation. Students then undergo an interview process, where they may request a certain type of nonprofit to work with.

Non-profit organizations do not issue stock shares. The surplus funds help to preserve the organization and continue its functioning, rather than going to owners or shareholders. Many non-profit organizations include charities and trade associations.

Bender has had the chance to partake in weekly meetings with a staff member at Heartland Senior Services, Liz Beck. Jennifer Garrett Nissen, Coordinator of Leadership and Service for the Student Activities Center, says participants in the program also get the chance to “attend board meetings, experience staff and committee meetings, and witness the action packed world of non-profit leaders.”

Then, each protégé has their own set of responsibilities depending on where they are placed. Bender has had the opportunity to be in charge of CyServe volunteers and has compiled a policy handbook. “I’ve gotten some great hands on work by managing the CyServe volunteers and attending staff and board meetings as well,” says Bender.

Nyhus has been working in conjunction with Belinda Meis at Lutheran Services in Iowa. She has been working on an initiative project, in which she is making Christmas stockings for the children at Beloit, a program for children in need. Nyhus also helped to organize Blue Sky Days, a 5K run that donates its proceeds to Beloit.

The program offers students a first-hand look at nonprofits, but is not an internship. “The purpose of the program is to give students who are interested in exploring the nonprofit world a firsthand, real-life experience,” explains Nissen, and Nyhus feels she is learning more than expected. “Each week we learn about different aspects of the program such as budgeting or crisis management. While learning about a non-profit takes more than a couple months, its a great way to see all the elements that help a non-profit run.”

Bender is definitely interested in the nonprofit world. “I can’t imagine working long-term in a for-profit company!” she expressed. “I’ve wanted to start a non-profit organization for a long time and am trying to learn as much as I can about that while at ISU. This seemed like a great opportunity to get some more experience and knowledge!”

Bender has really enjoyed her time as a protégé with Heartland Senior Services, and Liz Beck seems to have enjoyed her time paired with Bender as well. Bender says, “If you’re thinking of working in a non-profit this is a great way to see if it’s for you!”

Similarly, Nyhus has loved her time spent with LSI and Beloit. “I chose to take part in the NPP program because I have a desire to make a difference through non-profits.” Nyhus says she plans to continue her work in non-profits, and this has been a great way to introduce her to the non-profit world.