Students of Service (SOS) - Changemaker App

Research shows the link between extracurricular activities and beneficial academic, psychological, social and behavioral outcomes is stronger for disadvantaged children compared to their more privileged peers. Service learning (and especially service learning with a social justice emphasis) also has a positive impact with strong outcomes in students’ cognitive development, awareness of unconscious bias, tolerance and belief in the value of diversity. Yet, disadvantaged and vulnerable students are far less likely to have access to these types of experiences of any kind – much less opportunities designed around our increasingly diverse, interconnected world and workforce.

Studies show disadvantaged and vulnerable students are more likely to engage in such opportunities if they were offered by schools. But data supports the fact that schools with high concentrations of students from low-income homes have fewer resources (financial, human, infrastructural and time) to put towards providing these experiences. So, not only are such opportunities are far less likely to be offered in disadvantaged schools, students from disadvantaged families are far less likely to participate than their more advantaged peers in any school. This inequity can lead to educational and economic disparities expanding beyond high school, to college and beyond.

The 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment notes educational performance and attainment as a major community need. Through SOS's unique programs, we help to close the gap for students that are typically not able to access programs that foster educational attainment. All San Antonio area students in 6th-12th grade are eligible to join SOS for free. Lack of access to out-of-school learning opportunities like service-learning, international programs and travel disproportionately affects low-income students, a gap SOS seeks to address.

The inequities in our educational system increased during the COVID-19 pandemic; McKinsey & Company recently reported that the pandemic increased “preexisting opportunity and achievement gaps, hitting historically disadvantaged students hardest,” creating academic gaps. Texas’s Expanded Learning Opportunities Council (ELOC), has concluded that youth benefit from opportunities for structured educational experiences outside the traditional classroom. In addition to improvements in core skills, test performance, and graduation rates, students also gain socio-emotional benefits. 

Students of Service (SOS) has demonstrated that when youth are given the opportunities, guidance, and resources, they can change their communities for the better.  Internally, past surveys showed that 91% of students agreed that SOS had a major impact on their goals on and after high school graduation, as well as playing a role in their acceptance to college. We want to help scale this model around the world, so that young people everywhere can rise and make change. 

We will need this movement of kindness and compassion, that is driven by youth, serving their own communities and reaching out to build bonds of friendship around the world. We will help create a generation of youth leaders in action who will build a better world. We will empower young people with hearts of service, to better their communities through volunteering and living out the concept of global citizenship.

Our solution is to create an app that would capture the proven success that Students of Service (SOS) has built in San Antonio and use technology to grow and scale that impact beyond San Antonio, to other communities around the world. The app would create its own platform that allows local communities to create their own in-person service-learning and volunteer opportunities. The app will let students sign up for volunteer opportunities, track hours, measure impact, and generate volunteers resumes. It will help students align the skills they have acquired through volunteering with workforce skills, so that when they apply for their first job, they will have valuable experience to show. The app will also allow for students to connect and collaborate globally, by allowing teachers to partner with classes around the world in a "digital pen pal" virtual exchange.

The SOS App will have Common Core-aligned curriculum covering the areas of service learning, civic engagement, global learning and leadership. Schools will be able to license content to be presented by teachers in the classroom or in an after-school format, or individual teachers may purchase content for their classrooms through Teachers Pay Teachers. As an additional mode of revenue, SOS also plans to use the curriculum as part of a fee for service package to schools abroad wishing to engage in virtual exchange with students in the United States. Finally, SOS will be able to utilize this platform to enrich current in-house programming for participating students.  

We will be able to supply every teacher who wants to help their students make positive social change with the resources and tools needed to engage their communities, serve their communities and connect with the world.  

SOS is committed to serving all students 12-18 years old in the San Antonio metropolitan area, regardless of their background. We focus on students from disadvantaged backgrounds with a novel approach: including students with advantages so that the cross-demographic connections lift up the disadvantaged students through increased social capital, and unifying our community by building relationships throughout the city.

In 2022 we directly served 645 students through our Learn, Serve, and Explore programs, though many more benefited from the resources shared in our newsletter and website. Our students come from 159 schools across 20 school districts in the San Antonio service area, including students from 7 counties. 45% of our students attend Title I schools. In 2022, about 62% of our students were female, and 35% male. Around 72% of students identified as people of color. Regardless of where they come from, many students come to us with mental health concerns, family difficulties, and a deep need for community and belonging.

This solution will allow the SOS model to be used and adapted to students all over the world, in ways that work for their local communities, while connecting students from around the world on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's).

Students of Service (SOS) develops young leaders who have a global perspective to solve local problems. Founded in 2014, SOS provides underserved young people in San Antonio, Texas with meaningful out-of-school learning opportunities. 

SOS centers on three core programs: Learn, Serve, and Explore. The Serve program promotes youth empowerment and socially conscious entrepreneurship through local community service at area nonprofits. The Make It Happen (MIH) initiative is student-driven; students submit their community service ideas to SOS and staff partner with them to bring their ideas to life. The Explore program exposes young people to new ideas through international trips with customized curriculum. The Learn program ties everything together, providing meaningful learning that enriches their experience.

SOS is the right team to deliver this solution because it has always been a bottom-up organization. We were designed with students, parents and teachers, for our community, and to make an impact globally.

We know that our work inspires students to want to improve their community. Many students have reported finding their passion and purpose after being inspired by their SOS journey. They come back more service-minded, and often commit to careers in education, environmental improvement, business, and government. Regardless of sector, they are committed to servant-leadership. 

Many organizations with a global focus also begin their work when students are already in post-secondary education. SOS believes that providing travel and service learning opportunities to younger students in middle and high school, especially students of color and from disadvantaged backgrounds, can be a game changer for students who might otherwise struggle to determine their path in life. Experiences SOS offers that connect young people to their peers and get them excited about their communities and their place in the world make a difference in stoking motivation to continue in school and level the playing field in access to skill-building and character development experiences for all students. 

Our team leader is a person of color, who grew up low income. His first time doing community service was actually court-ordered. He understands the challenges of growing up with poverty, racism, and felt the sting of being not included in his community as a child. He could have easily ended up down the wrong path, like many of his friends, but he had good mentors, and was exposed to the power of service to others and international travel and it changed his life, and now he wants to share this model with youth to change their lives for the better.  Amir founded the organization in an inner-city, high-need school, as a middle school teacher of color over 9 years ago, and the organization grows stronger every day! The organization has been a team effort from the beginning and the model can work anywhere!

We have built a robust SOS community in San Antonio over nearly 10 years. We have patchwork and upgraded our technology as we could, but the vision has always been to build an app that would integrate the Learn, Serve, and Explore pillars seamlessly. We have served over 3,000 students in our community with hundreds of adult volunteers supporting. We have served over 100,000 hours of service to over 100 San Antonio agencies, which had a 3.1 million dollar impact. Based on this proven track record, and our current stage of growth from starting as an all-volunteer organization to now having grown to 3 full time staff, we are in the "growth" stage. The next step would be the construction of a state-of-the-art fully operational SOS app.

We believe that participating in Solve can help us overcome several key barriers to our organization's growth and success:

1. Enhanced Technical Expertise: One of our primary challenges is enhancing the technical capabilities of our app to ensure optimal functionality and user experience. By collaborating with Solve, we anticipate gaining access to the brightest technological minds on the planet through institutions like MIT. These experts can provide invaluable insights and guidance to help us address technical challenges, optimize our app's performance, and implement cutting-edge solutions.

2. Building New Relationships: As we aim to scale our organization and app, establishing new relationships across the country and the world is essential. Solve's platform offers a unique opportunity to connect with a diverse network of innovators, investors, and industry leaders. Through Solve, we can forge strategic partnerships, access new markets, and leverage resources to support our growth initiatives. The platform's global reach will enable us to tap into valuable insights and perspectives from different cultural and market contexts, enriching our approach to scaling our organization effectively.

3. Product Improvement Through Solve Process: Additionally, we believe that participating in Solve will enable us to enhance our own products through the Solve process itself. By engaging with Solve's structured problem-solving methodology and receiving feedback from experts and peers, we can identify areas for improvement, refine our strategies, and iterate on our products more effectively. The collaborative nature of Solve encourages innovative thinking and fosters a culture of continuous improvement, ultimately helping us enhance the quality and impact of our offerings.

We see Solve as a valuable platform for addressing financial, technical, legal, cultural, and market barriers that we face. By leveraging Solve's resources, expertise, and network, we are confident that we can overcome these challenges and advance our mission of making a positive impact in our community and beyond.

Our solution is innovative because it combines modern technology through our website, platforms, online curricula, with old-fashioned community organizing and community-building, meeting young people where they are, and bringing them together in ways that have served humanity well over millennia, and honestly, have suffered in recent years due to an imbalance in how we have used technology to connect.

We believe this will allow for cross-pollination of ideas around the world as we build this platform collectively, and in a way that encourages community-building.

If young people from diverse backgrounds engage in leadership development, global education, and service learning, they will increase their potential to become successful and responsible global citizens. 

The theory of change for Students of Service (SOS) is grounded in our belief that empowering students to engage in meaningful experiential learning, volunteerism and community service, and global interaction will lead to positive outcomes for both the students and the communities they serve.

Activities:

1. Providing a comprehensive website and volunteer portal system for organizing volunteer opportunities and managing registrations.
2. Facilitating connections between students and volunteer opportunities in various causes and organizations.
3. Offering support and resources to students to help them plan and execute their volunteer projects effectively.
4. Facilitating life-changing, meaningful International experiences

Outputs:

1. Increased participation of students in volunteer activities.
2. Growth in the number of volunteer hours contributed by students.
3. Expansion of the network of organizations and causes benefiting from student volunteerism.

Outcomes:

1. Improved sense of civic responsibility and community engagement among students.
2. Enhanced leadership, communication, and teamwork skills among participating students.
3. Positive impact on the communities served, including addressing local needs, fostering social cohesion, and building stronger community bonds.
4. Long-term benefits such as increased likelihood of continued civic engagement and volunteerism beyond high school.
5. More compassionate, globally-minded, inclusive and culturally literate humans.

Our theory of change is supported by evidence from our experience working with over 3,000 students in San Antonio, facilitating over 100,000 volunteer hours, and helping over 600 travelers gain global experience. Through interviews and feedback from our target population, we have observed the transformative effects of student volunteerism on both individual students and the communities they serve. Additionally, research in the field of youth development and community service supports the idea that engaging young people in volunteer activities can lead to positive personal and social outcomes.

Our impact goals for Students of Service (SOS) are centered around creating positive, transformative change in the lives of students and the communities they serve. Our overarching impact goals include:

1. Increased Civic Engagement: We aim to cultivate a sense of civic responsibility and community engagement among students, inspiring them to actively contribute to their communities through volunteerism and service projects.

2. Youth Empowerment and Skill Development: Our goal is to empower students with essential skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork, equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in their academic, personal, and professional endeavors.

3. Community Impact: We seek to make a tangible difference in the communities we serve by addressing local needs, fostering social cohesion, and building stronger community bonds through collaborative volunteer efforts.

To measure our progress towards these impact goals, we utilize a variety of indicators, including:

• Participation Rates: Tracking the number of students participating in volunteer activities and events organized by SOS.
• Volunteer Hours: Monitoring the total number of volunteer hours contributed by students through SOS initiatives.
• Student Feedback: Collecting feedback from students to assess their perceptions of civic engagement, skill development, and overall experience with SOS.
• Community Impact Metrics: Assessing the impact of student volunteer projects on local communities, such as the number of individuals served, tangible outcomes achieved, and community feedback.
• Skill Development Assessments: Conducting pre- and post-program assessments to measure improvements in key skills among participating students.
• Longitudinal Tracking: Following up with students after their involvement with SOS to gauge continued engagement in volunteerism and community service activities.

SOS is scalable and adaptable to communities all over the world thanks to the use of various platforms. Our website, community service portal, SMS messaging, social media, and the development of a web app all play a significant role in making SOS accessible to communities worldwide.

The website serves as a central hub for information about SOS and allows users to easily access resources and connect with volunteers. The community service portal provides a platform for users to request assistance and for volunteers to offer their services. SMS messaging is a useful tool for reaching people who may not have access to the internet. By using social media, we can reach a wider audience and spread awareness of our services.

The development of a web app is a significant step in making SOS even more scalable and adaptable. The app will allow users to access SOS services directly from their mobile devices, making it even easier for people to get the help they need.

By using these various platforms, SOS can adapt to the specific needs of communities all over the world. For example, in areas where internet access is limited, SMS messaging can be used to connect with those in need. Additionally, social media can be used to reach specific demographics or communities.

Taken in concert and with the development of our new app, SOS's technology will allow us to reach a wider audience and provide services to communities all over the world!

We will be a team of 7, but will have the ability to scale up if needed thanks to partnerships. 1 full time employee will be the team lead. 2 will be volunteers, both former SOS student participants now in the work force, one who works for GitLabs. We will also partner with The IMG Studios in San Antonio, Texas, an App Development company.

10 years of total development towards our solution.

Our team leader is a person of color, who grew up low income. His first time doing community service was actually court-ordered. He understands the challenges of growing up with poverty, racism, and felt the sting of being not included in his community as a child. He could have easily ended up down the wrong path, like many of his friends, but he had good mentors, and was exposed to the power of service to others and international travel and it changed his life, and now he wants to share this model with youth to change their lives for the better.  Amir founded the organization in an inner-city, high-need school, as a middle school teacher of color over 9 years ago, and the organization grows stronger every day! The organization has been a team effort from the beginning and the model can work anywhere! The volunteer team members are Latino and Latina, and the app development team includes a diverse group of software and app developers from around the globe.

At Students of Service (SOS), we are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. At the heart of our work lies the belief that by connecting across borders, cultures, and languages, and fostering respect for our planet and the one human family, we can create a more just and equitable world.

We recognize that diversity enriches our communities and strengthens our collective impact. We are dedicated to creating inclusive spaces where individuals from all backgrounds feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute. Through our programs and initiatives, we strive to amplify diverse voices, celebrate cultural differences, and promote equity in access to opportunities for personal and community growth.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion guides every aspect of our work, from the recruitment of volunteers and the selection of partner organizations to the design and implementation of our programs. We are continuously learning and evolving to better understand and address the systemic barriers that impact marginalized communities, and we are committed to advocating for social justice and equity in all that we do.

By embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion as core principles, we believe that we can create a more equitable and sustainable world, where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to positive social change.

Our business model at Students of Service (SOS) centers on providing value to students and communities through volunteerism and community service, while our revenue model relies on donations, grants, and contributions as we operate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Over the past decade, corporate partners and foundations dedicated to social impact and youth empowerment have demonstrated steadfast commitment to supporting our work.

Products and Services:

1. Volunteer Opportunities: SOS offers students access to diverse volunteer opportunities across various causes and organizations, fostering personal growth and civic engagement.
2. Educational Resources: We provide students with workshops, training sessions, and resources to develop essential skills like leadership and communication, enhancing their ability to contribute positively through volunteering.
3. Networking and Support: SOS facilitates connections between students and volunteer organizations, providing guidance and support throughout their volunteering journey.

How We Provide These Products and Services:

1. Online Platform: Our comprehensive website and volunteer portal system serve as the hub for organizing volunteer opportunities and providing educational resources to students.
2. Partnerships and Outreach: We collaborate with schools, community organizations, and volunteer agencies to identify and promote volunteer opportunities, ensuring a wide range of options for students.
3. Community Engagement: We cultivate a supportive community of volunteers, mentors, and partners who share our commitment to making a positive impact, providing encouragement and guidance to students.

Why They Want or Need Them:

1. Students: Students seek opportunities to develop skills, gain experience, and make a difference. SOS provides them with meaningful volunteer opportunities and support to achieve their goals.
2. Communities: Communities benefit from the contributions of student volunteers, addressing local needs and building stronger bonds. SOS facilitates these connections and enhances volunteer efforts.

Our business model, reliant on donations, grants, and contributions, ensures the sustainability of our operations as we continue to empower youth and create positive change in communities.

Our plan for achieving financial sustainability at Students of Service (SOS) revolves around diversifying our revenue streams while maintaining a strong focus on securing sustained donations and grants, which are the lifeblood of our nonprofit organization. Additionally, we aim to explore opportunities for selling products or services, securing service contracts with governments or other entities, and potentially raising investment capital in the future.

Currently, our primary sources of revenue include:

1. Donations and Grants: We rely on the generosity of individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations committed to social impact and youth empowerment. These contributions fund our day-to-day operations, program development, and outreach efforts.

2. Corporate Partnerships and Foundation Grants: Over the years, we have cultivated strong relationships with corporate partners and foundations who share our mission and values. Their ongoing support through grants and donations has been instrumental in sustaining our programs and initiatives.

3. Fundraising Events: We organize fundraising events and campaigns to engage our community and raise awareness about our work. These events provide opportunities for individuals and organizations to contribute financially while also fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among supporters.

4. Program Fees and Service Contracts: While our primary focus is on providing free or low-cost services to students and communities, we may explore opportunities to generate revenue through program fees or service contracts with governments or other entities seeking our expertise in youth empowerment and community service.

Evidence of our success in securing financial support includes:

• Grants Received: We have successfully secured grants from reputable foundations and government agencies to fund specific programs and initiatives.
• Corporate Partnerships: Our ongoing partnerships with corporate sponsors have provided consistent financial support and in-kind donations to support our operations and programs.
• Fundraising Campaigns: We have organized successful fundraising campaigns and events, exceeding our financial targets and engaging our community in supporting our mission.
• Steady Growth: Over the years, we have seen steady growth in our revenue streams, enabling us to expand our reach and impact within our target communities.

By diversifying our revenue streams and maintaining a strategic focus on sustained donations and grants, we aim to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of Students of Service, allowing us to continue empowering youth and creating positive change in communities for years to come. You can see our list of 2023 sponsors here. Our operating budget last year alone was over $550,000.