TAP students step up for a cause in fun-filled philanthropy exploration with Magnified Giving

Freshman year is an exciting time for the students in UC’s Transition and Access Pathways (TAP) program! Thanks to a dynamic partnership with Magnified Giving, students get the chance to explore the world of philanthropy and become real-world changemakers along the way. Magnified Giving provides students with hands-on philanthropic learning experiences.

Magnified Giving is a non-profit organization that seeks to educate, inspire, and engage students in philanthropy. Their mission is to "educate and inspire the next generation of philanthropists" by empowering youth to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Through school-based programs, students learn about the needs in their communities, evaluate non-profits, and experience the power of giving by awarding grant dollars to causes they care about. 

Here’s how the collaboration fits within the TAP Vocational Exploration curriculum: Each week, TAP students focus on a different career cluster, and bring the lesson to life with a non-profit connected to that industry that visits the classroom.  From agriculture to health services, students receive an inside look at the job opportunities and missions behind each organization.  When the class explored agriculture, food & natural resources, for example, the team from Gorman Heritage Farm stopped in to share the ins and outs of running a non-profit farm and even talked about career opportunities in their field!

From left to right, Adrian Fosuh, TAP freshman and Sabra Richards, TAP Freshman with their presentations. Photo/Nikki Murray

TAP students choose the non-profit they would like to research for the Magnified Giving Presentations that happen right here on UC’s campus.   Each student picks an organization, learns about the mission and impact, and makes a case for why it should receive a grant from Magnified Giving.  The students research and reflect on the cause they have chosen to create powerful presentations to advocate for the non-profit. 

"They’re not just learning— they’re using their voices, connecting with the community, and realizing just how much they’re capable of." said Emily Johnson, TAP Vocational Coordinator. 

This collaboration not only enhances classroom learning, but it also provides students with a unique opportunity to connect with their community, build public speaking skills, and experience the impact of philanthropy.  Thank you to Magnified Giving for the collaboration and the amazing experience the TAP students. 

Want to learn more about IDD Education Center’s Transition and Access Pathways (TAP) program. Check out Magnified Giving to see how they’re helping students turn compassion into action.