When sports analyst and former Bengals player Cris Collinsworth wanted
to help his teenage daughter become involved in their community, he
discovered the dearth of information and opportunities for students. In
order to change that, Collinsworth teamed up with other like-minded
individuals to create
UGIVE.org,
a one-stop portal that connects a new generation of volunteers to
organizations that need them most. UGIVE is now recruiting students to
take part in
Step Up Cincinnati, an event dedicated to empowering young people and starting them on a path of lifelong service.
UGIVE initially served youth in the Cincinnati area, but now operates in
22 states, with plans for nationwide expansion. Students enter their
information in a secure environment and search for opportunities that
not only fulfill school service requirements but also fit their
individual interests and talents. "It's really important that students
do things they are passionate about," says communications coordinator
Kelly Gade. "We make sure that students are doing real work, not just
going in and filing papers. We want them to get to know the people they
are helping and hear their stories." Working only with 501(c)3
nonprofits and schools, UGIVE ensures that each program is safe and
appropriate for minors.
The website also provides free tools for documentation. An online
reporting system allows schools to keep track of students' service hours
with minimal paperwork. Charities can post stories and photos of youth
engaged in their causes and access information for grant-writing
purposes. Each student receives a verified service resume to use for
college and job applications and the chance to earn a
Jefferson Award.
In addition to referring students to nonprofits, UGIVE offers
opportunities of its own. UCREW is a year-long program of direct service
and leadership training, bringing students together from many schools
and backgrounds. "I'm amazed what high school students can do if you
give them a little encouragement and the right resources," Gade says.
"They can accomplish just as much as adults."
After students' year in UCREW ends, their involvement with nonprofits continues, often blossoming into careers.
Allison Winstel, for example, who volunteered with
Sonteni International,
was recently selected for the prestigious Wells Scholar Program at
Indiana University, where she plans to major in public health.
Now in its third year, Step Up Cincinnati is created by students in
UGIVE's summer internship program. Volunteers will have more than 20
nonprofits to choose from, including the
Peaslee Neighborhood Center,
EPIC House, the
Civic Garden Center, the
City Gospel Mission and
St. Vincent de Paul. After a day of valuable service to their community, students celebrate their accomplishments at the Covington Landing.
Do good:
Get connected.
Create your free account to find service opportunities in your area, find opportunities for your students or find volunteers for your charity.
Step Up.
Register for Step Up Cincinnati.
Donate to UGIVE.ORG.
By Laura Thompson
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