Consulting Capstones | Bush Board Fellows | PSO | Speaker Series | 12th Can
International Programs | AFP College Chapter
Consulting Capstones
The Bush School requires a client-based research project instead of a thesis for graduation. Capstone projects give students a chance to practice the lessons learned in the classroom. The goal of the Bush School Consulting Capstone is to enhance students’ management and policy education by developing collaborative consulting engagements with public and nonprofit organizations.Students assist client organizations in addressing existing and emerging challenges. Client hosts are solicited from a range of public and nonprofit organizations, including state and local government agencies, school districts, and intermediary entities. Projects are based on client needs and could entail a range of topics such as: marketing, organizational assessment, policy recommendations and analysis, fund development planning, program evaluation, human resource management, and strategic planning. The consulting capstone utilizes a structured framework to approach problem definition and project oversight. Student teams meet with client hosts to develop a project scope memo and work with organizations to complete the agreed upon work plan. Read the final reports prepared by past Consulting Capstone teams.
Examples
- Combined Arms Report; Supervising instructor – Dr. William Brown, Spring 2020
- Planning for Resilience and Reducing Risk: Lessons for Mexico City – Dr. Mary Hilderbrand, Spring 2020
- Compassion International – Dr. Kenneth Taylor, Spring 2020
Bush Board Fellows
Bush Board Fellows Informational Video
The Bush Board Fellows Program allows Bush School students to serve as non-voting board members for a local nonprofit organization. Students are able to attend board meetings, serve on committees, engage in discussions, and provide advice to the board and executives. This innovative program provides unparalleled access to how nonprofits really work.
Students gain hands-on executive board experience, the opportunity to engage and establish relationships with key members of the community and major organizations, and experiences that can be applied to future employment.
Current Bush Board Fellows partner organizations include:
- American Red Cross of Central & South Texas
- Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce
- Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity
- Destination Bryan
- United Way of the Brazos Valley
- U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership
All degree candidates at the Bush School are eligible to apply for the Bush Board Fellows Program. Students are expected to be active participants and bring a unique perspective to boardroom conversations. Applications open in the fall.
Click here to learn more about becoming a Host Organization
Click here to learn more about becoming a Bush Board Fellow student participant
Public Service Organization (PSO)
The Public Service Organization (PSO) is a student-led organization at the Bush School and has been recognized as an official Texas A&M University student organization. The PSO brings students and faculty together to meet the needs of the community, state, country, and world through service projects. The PSO offers various student leadership positions that provide an excellent opportunity to work with fellow students and nonprofit organizations. Click here to find out more about the PSO.
Speaker Series
Bush School students have the opportunity to hear from and speak with national and international nonprofit leaders. Opportunities include formal Bush School talks, informal class speakers and lunch seminars that address the specific interests of students.
Speakers and monthly lunch sessions are hosted regularly through spring and fall term. Check the Center for Nonprofits and Philanthropy Facebook Page for event announcements and to sign up.
Past Speakers
- Jabot Calvin, Executive Director of The Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley
- Angela Dina , CEO of Turn It Gold in Houston
- Chris Dyer, CEO of Arts Council of the Brazos Valley
- Alison Prince, President & CEO of United Way of the Brazos Valley
- Dr. Kelly Zúñiga, Executive Director of the Holocaust Museum in Houston
- Grace Norman, No Kid Hungry Campaign Director
- Jeremy Everett, Director of the Texas Hunger Initiative
12th Can – On Campus Food Pantry
The CNP Director Dr. William Brown and a graduate research assistant serve as the primary advisor for 12th Can. The 12th Can is a student-run food pantry located at Texas A&M to serve all students, faculty, and staff in need of assistance.
12th Can opened in November of 2013 and has served over 78,000 pounds of food. The 12th Can is affiliated with Brazos Valley Food Bank as a program partner and resides under the Student Government Association. Our goal is to eliminate hunger at Texas A&M, raise awareness of food insecurity in college communities, and show others the power of the Aggie spirit.
International Programs
Through the leadership of Dr. Mary Hilderbrand, the center seeks to build and support dynamic international partnerships and experiential opportunities.
This includes the development of at least one international capstone each year as well as securing a select number of supported summer internships with partner agencies. The purpose is to ensure that Bush School students interested in internal NGO management will gain necessary skills and experience to support transition into the field. For more information, please visit international programs.
Association of Fundraising Professional (AFP) – Collegiate Chapter
Mission Statement: The Association of Fundraising Professionals empowers individuals and organizations to practice ethical fundraising through professional education, networking, research, and advocacy.’
AFP hopes to help market the field of development and philanthropy to college graduates, as well as provide the knowledge necessary to excel in a development role and formulate a network of nonprofit professionals for future collaborations.’
- Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access in Fundraising Panel Discussion Webinar (Oct. 5, 2020 – Password: FD#u61K+)
