Longhorns for Engagement, Access, and Development
We are an initiative founded by Student-Athletes, funded by Texas Athletics, and in collaboration with the Division of Campus and Community Engagement at the University of Texas at Austin. Our Mission is to give student-athletes the opportunity to engage in impactful collaborations with nonprofit organizations in Texas that serve underrepresented populations with resources in the following areas: education services, recreation activities, basic needs and/or emergency services.
The Outcome.
Over the past two years, the LEAD Initiative has donated over 260 thousand dollars to over 40 nonprofit organizations in the state of Texas. We have supported organizations that are making a difference and have positively contributed to positive change in our community. Through this initiative, student-athletes have been exposed to a different perspective and have been able to dig deeper into the things that matter most to them.
The Problem.
With all the social unrest that plagued our country in 2020, several student-athletes and I were looking for ways that we could use our platform to make a positive impact in our community. After months of planning we launched The LEAD (Longhorns for Engagement, Access, and Development) Initiative in the fall of 2021. LEAD is an athlete-led, Texas Athletics-funded, SAAC and DDCE-supported organization. It helps student-athletes engage in meaningful collaborations with non-profit organizations in Texas. The primary goal is to cultivate partnerships with non-profit organizations that UT student-athletes are passionate about, and that serve populations in the following areas: Educational Services, Emergency Services, Basic Needs, and Recreational Activities for the youth.
Approach.
As president, I chair bi-monthly meetings where student-athletes come together to discuss and review applications received and vote on the funding and/or support that will be given to non-profit organizations that apply. Student-athletes maintain partnerships with selected non-profit organizations by volunteering at and attending events put on like the Trial of Lights, Caritas of Austin, Unabridged Academy, The Seedling Foundation, Excellence and Advancement Foundation, and many more.