|
In their own words — principals, nonprofit leaders, and student interns
Each year, your dues support transformative educational and professional development opportunities for local public school principals, non-profit executive leaders, and undergraduate student interns through dedicated scholarship funding. These initiatives include programs at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Harvard Business School Executive Education, alongside club-funded internships for current undergraduates.
School Principals & Educational Leaders
Former high school principal and current Deputy Superintendent of Collier County Schools, Darren Burkett, participated in the Harvard Graduate School of Education summer program. He told us about the lasting value to him: "Since 2015, the Harvard Alumni Club and Collier County Public Schools have partnered to provide a summer learning experience... As a program participant, I can attest to the positive impact the experience can have on a leader." He emphasized that this ongoing partnership focuses on local educational leaders, directly fostering academic growth and organizational success across the school district.
Non-Profit Executive Leaders
Non-profit CEOs who attended "Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management" at Harvard Business School described the curriculum as an invaluable catalyst for leadership. Meredith Narayanan, Executive Director of the Healthy Start Coalition of Southwest Florida, reflected: "Its greatest strength was the opportunity to step away from the daily demands of running an organization and examine leadership, strategy, social entrepreneurship, and sustainability from a broader perspective... What struck me most was how quickly trust developed among participants... Those authentic and vulnerable exchanges were among the most impactful aspects of the program."
Similarly, Linda Cunning, CEO of New Horizons, highlighted both personal and organizational gains: "First, you finally are with 'our tribe'... Disconnecting from the daily work allows a leader to truly immerse in the programming experiences... I have a clear vision of where I want to go, what needs my attention, and how to scale our organization for growth... This experience is exactly what I have been looking for, for years!"
Undergraduate Interns
Students gaining hands-on experience through club-sponsored internships expressed deep gratitude for their immersion in area non-profits. Shamara Bornelus, an intern with Legal Aid of Collier County and the Collier County State Attorney’s Office, shared: "My time in Collier County courtrooms strengthened my knowledge of courtroom procedure and oral arguments... I am truly grateful for my time at the Collier State Attorney’s Office and the lessons I have learned about criminal law." Sheila Forbes, summer intern at Fostering Success, added: "I was able to develop new skills while gaining a better understanding of the day-to-day work that goes into running a nonprofit organization... Overall, the work that they do truly has a huge impact on the lives of the kids in their program, and I was so glad that I could be a part of that work."
Your continued membership and generous donations keep these programs funded for future recipients. Please consider donating to the Schools and Education fund.
|
