See what it takes to be a non-profit leader

Each spring semester, the Student Engagement Office and the United Way of Story County co-sponsor the Non-Profit Protégé Program. Undergraduate ISU students have the opportunity to walk in the shoes of an administrator of a local non-profit organization. Each protégé attends weekly meetings with their mentor throughout the semester. 

Find meaningful work

Protégés have opportunities to explore the non-profit world first hand by attending board meetings, experience staff and committee meetings, visit with potential financial donors, and witness the action-packed world of being a non-profit leader. 

Partner Organizations

Ames Public Library

Ames Community Preschool Center

Boys and Girls Club

Center for Creative Justice

Friendship Ark

Good Neighbor Emergency Assistance

Heartland of Story County

Mainstream Living

Nevada Food at First

The Arc of Story County

The Salvation Army

Application Process

Students must meet the following criteria to be selected for participation:

  • Be a full-time undergraduate student at Iowa State University in the Spring semester of the program.
  • Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Applications are due no later than Friday, November 14th at 11:59PM

Program Requirements

In order to complete the program, participants must do the following: 

  • Participate in an introductory orientation session, mid-point reflection, and end-of-the-semester celebration.
  • Communicate with the non-profit mentor to create a weekly schedule at the non-profit agency site.
  • Sign a confidentiality document and/or complete a background check with the host agency (as needed).
  • Complete at least 8 weekly meetings with Non-Profit Protégé mentor for the Spring semester.
  • Prepare for weekly meetings with mentor by reviewing discussion questions and/or provided articles.
  • Develop an initiative that will benefit the non-profit agency by increasing awareness, recruiting volunteers, providing resources or donations.
  • Produce a short written reflection of the experience that will be shared with the mentor and/or share a five-minute presentation at the celebration event.