Arizona State University’s Piper Servant Leader Network is aiding students in exploring careers within the nonprofit sector while building practical skills through hands-on experiences. The initiative connects students with various community organizations, providing opportunities for internships and volunteer work that align with their academic studies.
Connecting Education with Experience
Hector Jaquez, a student at ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business, discovered a passion for nonprofit work after receiving an email from his professor. Initially uncertain about his career path, Jaquez found his calling with The Joy Bus, an organization dedicated to delivering healthy meals to cancer patients. His involvement began with volunteering and quickly progressed to an internship, where he utilized the business skills he developed at ASU for tasks like payroll and overhead calculations. Jaquez now works part-time with The Joy Bus, supporting its policy initiatives and assisting its leadership team.
ToniMarie Mendez Tijerina, from The Joy Bus, highlighted Jaquez’s standout contributions, noting that his extensive volunteer experience equipped him to transition seamlessly into a professional role. The Piper Servant Leader Network, supported by the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application in nonprofit work.
Upcoming Enrollment for Spring 2027
Enrollment for the network’s introductory course, NLM 160: Voluntary Action and Community Leadership, is set to open this month, with priority registration beginning on October 19. Students who complete the course are eligible for a $500 scholarship. The program has seen significant participation, with 133 students from 11 colleges contributing over 4,000 hours of service and 1,000 hours of job shadowing in collaboration with more than 30 community partners throughout Maricopa County.
Bailey Borman, director of strategic projects at the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, emphasized the program’s goal of helping students understand diverse roles in the nonprofit sector while translating their service experiences into valuable skills for future employment.
Clarifying Career Aspirations
Many students have reported that their involvement in the Piper Servant Leader Network has clarified their career goals. Hailey Compton, who initially struggled to align her interests in advocacy and the arts, ultimately found a role with the Down Syndrome Network that combined her passions. Through her experience, she decided to pursue communication as her major.
Similarly, Jadon Pernicano, another student in the program, gained insight into nonprofit operations while volunteering at the Tempe Community Action Agency food pantry. He described how the experience pushed him beyond his comfort zone and emphasized the importance of engaging with others in the network.
Benefits for Nonprofits
The Piper Servant Leader Network also supports local nonprofits by providing skilled volunteers who contribute to various organizational needs. Jennifer Caraway, founder and CEO of The Joy Bus, noted that the collaboration with ASU and Piper Trust has allowed her organization to access talent it could not otherwise afford.
Steve Zabilski, president and CEO of the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, remarked on the positive impact of student engagement in the nonprofit sector, stating that students are making meaningful contributions that enhance the quality of life for community members. The network not only strengthens the nonprofit workforce pipeline but also fosters immediate, positive change within the community.
Source: Arizona State University
