According to the National Postsecondary Student Aid Society, the average student loan debt of graduating seniors from a 4-year university is between $15,000-20,000. As a result, the U.S. Department of Labor reports that individuals in their early twenties are the least likely to volunteer. SponsorChange.org addresses this challenge by aiding young professionals in being civically engaged while earning funds to pay down their student loan debt based on the number of hours participants serve in the role of volunteer manager for regional nonprofit organizations lacking the capacity to hire a full or part time volunteer manager.
- Young professionals and graduate students can apply to serve as a SponsorChange Fellow for a period of four months (Sept-Dec; Jan-Apr; May-Aug).
- Ten SponsorChange Fellows are selected each term and matched with a regional nonprofit organization to help them recruit and manage volunteers for one time, ongoing or skill-based projects.
- Fellows are trained by Pittsburgh Cares in the basics of volunteer management and support their respective organizations for a total of 40 hours of volunteer management support over the four month term.
- Each Fellow will receive an additional 10 hours of civic education exploring various social issues, capacity building strategies, and volunteer management best practices.
- Upon the successful completion of a four month term, each SponsorChange Fellow can earn up to $1,000 applied directly to their student loans.
OTHER BENEFITS INCLUDE:
- Adding meaningful service to your life
- Establishishing community connections
- Meeting new friends
- Building leadership skills
- Strengthening your resume by adding community service leadership
- Being a part of a new, innovative approach to community engagement for young professionals
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
- Demonstration of prior volunteer experience and leadership
- Ability to commit at least 50 hours over 4 months
- Currently have a bachelors degree and proof of student loan debt
- Ability to communicate effectively and possess good interpersonal skills
- Resourceful and have a positive attitude
- Must have regular access to the Internet
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Please do not hesitate to contact us for additional information at info@sponsorchange.org or jdonahue@pittsburghcares.org