WHAT IS STUDENTS IN PHILANTHROPY?
The purpose of the Students in Philanthropy (SIP) program is to provide students the opportunity to
improve the quality of life in their communities. Participants learn about the importance of
philanthropy and the role of nonprofit organizations in the community. Through the fund development
and grant making process, students not only make needed contributions to nonprofit organizations, but
also gain leadership and stewardship training through a structured program designed to educate,
support and promote philanthropic leadership in the community.
The Odessa High School Students in Philanthropy program is one of eight programs in the Permian Basin
– three college programs (Midland College, Odessa College and UTPB) and five high school programs
(Midland and Lee high schools in Midland, Greenwood High School, and Permian and Odessa high
schools in Odessa. The program is co-funded through the Abell-Hanger Foundation and the Helen
Greathouse Charitable Trust.
The SIP programs last a full school year. During the fall semester the students will concentrate on
fundraising efforts and volunteering. In the spring the students will invite grant applications from the
local nonprofits, review the grant applications and hold a grant award ceremony at the end of the year.
This program will meet on a daily basis as a class. The class counts as an elective credit toward
graduation. Students will be expected to be in class daily. Attendance is also required at all program
functions and special events such as fundraising and community service which may take place outside of
the school day. In addition they will participate in a Fall convention and a Spring convention which will
include members of all of the various high school and college programs.
It is my desire that students leave this class with a passion for service, an understanding of the needs of
the community, and the knowledge of their part in making our community a better place to live.
Educator and philanthropist Johnnetta Cole makes the following statement that clearly defines the goal
of Students in Philanthropy:
“An education that teaches you to understand something about the world has done
only half of the assignment. The other half is to teach you to do something about
making the world a better place.”
Please feel free to contact me if you would like to learn more about our program. I may be reached at
Odessa High School at 456-2126 either before school from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m., after school until 5:00 p.m.,
or during my conference period from 3:20-4:10 p.m.
My email address is sandra.stalik@ectorcountyisd.org.
Very truly yours
Sandra Stalik
Students in Philanthropy Sponsor