Connection event brings together local nonprofits

Students can network, find internship opportunities

Drayton Charlton-Perrin Contributing Writer dcharltonperrinn@murraystate.edu

In an effort to assist students with finding internships and connecting with nonprofit organizations, the semiannual Nonprofit Connections event returns to the Curris Center Thursday, March 2.

“Nonprofit Connections is a wonderful opportunity for students, faculty, staff and community members to learn about the amazing work happening through the nonprofit organizations in west Kentucky,” says Elise Kieffer, program director and assistant professor for nonprofit leadership studies.

Kieffer says they expect over 30 different nonprofit organizations and around 150 students to attend.

Senior Luke Shultz is coordinating the event. He received an internship with Beyond Uganda at a previous Nonprofit Connections.

Beyond Uganda is a nonprofit organization helping impoverished people in Uganda.

Schultz says while at the event, he fell in love with the mission of Beyond Uganda and developed a relationship with the organization, which led to his internship offer.

“I interned with Beyond Uganda for the summer of 2022 and the fall of 2022,” Shultz says. “I had an amazing experience working with this organization and made so many great connections and learned so much that I can use for the rest of my life.”

One of the returning organizations is Rolling in Faith, a nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for people with disabilities.

“Nonprofit Connections has been a great resource for identifying partnerships between local organizations and students,” says Hadley Stephens, founder of Rolling in Faith.

Stephens says Rolling in Faith has been honored to participate in Nonprofit Connections in the past and is excited to continue returning.

Another returning organization is Playhouse in the

Park, a nonprofit community theater in Murray.

Lisa Cope, executive director of Playhouse in the Park, said they always look forward to the event because they connect with many students interested in the nonprofit sector and receive many volunteers.

Nonprofit Connections will return in the fall. For more information regarding future events visit the Murray State Nonprofit Leadership Studies page on Facebook.