UK CNP Student Makes A CHANGE With Oxfam
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 5, 2015) — University of Kentucky Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) student Samantha La Mar participated this summer in the Oxfam CHANGE Initiative leadership training program in Boston. This competitive program, offered only to 50 undergraduate students nationally, provides a one week travel scholarship to students to teach them leadership and advocacy skills, as well as to familiarize them with Oxfam’s mission: positive social change.
La Mar, a junior in the UK College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment's Community and Leadership Development program, is also the new leader of Oxfam's student association at UK. Among other projects, she will be advocating for sustainable agriculture abroad in order to complement and improve U.S. food aid programs.
In addition to the Oxfam CHANGE Initiative program, CNP has helped connect La Mar to internships with the Kentucky Historical Society and Dress for Success. She cites her experience with the CNP program as the foundation for her decision to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector.
“Everyone at CNP is truly passionate about social change and passionate about making a difference” said La Mar. “CNP gave me the ability to connect the dots across multiple disciplines and groups of people in order to accomplish a goal. Being a part of the CNP program has verified my passion for serving others and given me confidence that I can pursue that as a part of my future.”
CNP was established in January and currently has over 50 undergraduate students participating. The program was established following the significant growth of the nonprofit sector over the last 10 years and is designed to strengthen the leadership skills of students interested in pursuing a career in the nonprofit sector. Students who successfully pursue the CNP program will receive the National Certification in Nonprofit Management and Leadership through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NLA).
Oxfam is a nonpartisan, international organization known for its global relief and development efforts, as well as its social advocacy. Founded in 2000, the CHANGE program has trained more than 770 student leaders from more than 340 colleges and universities. Applications for the 2016 Oxfam CHANGE Initiative will be available in the spring.
Students interested in learning more about Oxfam may attend the upcoming Oxfam Hunger Banquet 6-8 p.m. Nov. 18 in the King Alumni House. This will be a unique opportunity for students to learn more about the impacts of poverty and hunger both locally and globally. Food will be provided. Students may also email oxfam.uky@gmail.com to learn more about becoming involved at UK.
To learn more about CNP, visit www.uky.edu/uge/CNP.