Two UNT Students named NextGen Leaders
DENTON (UNT), Texas – The Next Generation (NextGen) Nonprofit Leaders Program, a national competition that provides scholarships to students conducting internships in the nonprofit sector, has listed two students from the University of North Texas to be recognized.
Raven Dickerson and Sara Chavez will be recognized as NextGen Leaders by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, and both will receive a $4,500 scholarship. Dickerson and Chavez are the 20th and 21st UNT students to receive this award, since the implementation of the program in 2007.
Established in 1948, the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance is an organization of academic institutions, nonprofit organizations and professional associations designed to prepare college and university students for professional and leadership positions in the nonprofit industry.
The Next Generation Nonprofit Leaders Program began in January 2007 when W.K. Kellogg Foundation granted $5 million to Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. The program has selected a total of 1,000 NextGen Leaders that have received scholarships and access to mentoring and support from a network of nonprofit leaders.
Dickerson, a 2009 graduate of Lake Dallas High School, is a senior majoring in social work. Chavez, a 2009 graduate of Yvonnne A. Ewell Townview Magnet, is a senior majoring in social work. Dickerson is the daughter of Robert Dickerson of Galena Park (Houston) and Chavez is the daughter of Alma Chavez of Dallas.
“The Next Generation Nonprofit Leaders program is highly competitive, with students from up to 50 colleges and universities across the US competing for a very limited amount of awards,” said Rachel Reed, campus director of Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. “They are now part of an elite group to serve to their communities. They have brought recognition to our program, to the College of Public Affairs & Community Service (PACS) and to UNT through their receipt of this national award.”
“These students have brought added distinction to themselves, to PACS, and to UNT by demonstrating that they are among the best and brightest undergraduates preparing to become first-rate administrators in the non-profit sector, working devotedly and efficiently toward social enhancement and remediation, stated Dr. James Duban, director of Office for Nationally Competitive Scholarships.
Dickerson and Chavez are among 46 college students selected from more than 50 college campuses in the United States, four of whom are from Texas. Their $4,500 scholarships will cover their expenses as they complete an internship with a nonprofit organization this fall.
Nonprofit Leadership Alliance also provides certification in nonprofit management and leadership, which Dickerson and Chavez are both working to complete.
The certificate program, which includes courses in fundraising, volunteer management and other skills needed in nonprofit management, is administrated at UNT in the College of Public Affairs and Community Service. Once Dickerson and Chavez complete their respective internships and academic and co-curricular requirements, they will be awarded the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance certificate.
Dickerson is currently interning at Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home, a strength focused agency that protects children and teens. Chavez has not chosen a place for her internship, which she will begin in the spring.
UNT News Service Phone Number: (940) 565-2108
Latest News
UNT has signed an agreement with Barnes & Noble College as the new operator for the UNT Bookstore. Barnes & Noble College is set to take over operations of the university bookstore on Aug. 8.
Robert M. Citino, professor of history at UNT, has been selected to serve as a Visiting Professor at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Penn., during the 2013-14 academic year. He will assist in teaching core and elective courses within the college’s Department of National Security and Strategy. He will also conduct college-wide lectures and presentations, and lead faculty research and writing efforts.
Tomas Mantecon, associate professor of finance at UNT's College of Business, has been chosen to participate in the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program for the 2013-14 academic year.
Eric Nishimoto of Prosper, a student at the UNT Frank W. Mayborn Graduate Institute of Journalism, was named a National Winner in the Photo Illustration category of the Society of Professional Journalists’ 2012 Mark of Excellence Awards.
Ellie Meyer, A Radio, Television & Film senior, took first place in the UNT Fine Arts Series 12th annual Songwriter’s Competition. She received an invitation to the legendary Kerrville Folk Festival that hosts more than 100 songwriters over 18 days in May and June.