Students use standard software as they develop, research, and present a project related to community nonprofits.

To help students understand the legal aspects of a 501(c)(3) organization and how they differ from other organizations.

To introduce students to the differences between businesses and nonprofit organizations and key terms used in each sector.

To introduce students to the concept of philanthropy and have them begin thinking about how they can be intentional about their giving of money and time. Students explore issues and identify an issue about which they are passionate; they get to know different types of nonprofit organizations; and they learn to determine the effectiveness of a nonprofit before they donate money or time to an organization that matches their interest.

Students learn about the power of collaboration, especially in the world of philanthropy. They will discuss: Why would someone want to work with others? What skills and attributes does it require to be a servant leader?

Students read and analyze different leadership types and then create a visual presentation about a "servant leader" who puts the needs of those served first. They may explore the rich Our State of Generosity website to read about philanthropic servant leaders in Michigan.

Students examine the personal stories of various nonprofit leaders and relate them to the six Career Pathways. Students will discuss the ways that careers change throughout an individual's life as they pursue their passions. Students will also use the concept of passion to career to plan a service project related to something that they are passionate about.

Students follow the example of philanthropists who impacted their community by cooperating rather than competing. Students identify their own giving passions and cooperate with each other and a community organization to plan a project. Examples of "cooperative philanthropists" are taken from the Our State of Generosity website. 

Students edit their memoir drafts, adding dialogue and figurative language in this guided writing session. This lesson will help students realize that struggles they experience in their lives often lead to a new understanding or lesson learned. Students will reflect on how their experience impacts others. They will use this realization to identify how they can address needs in their own community.

Students learn from examples of people who have experienced a struggle and used surrounding resources to make something better for themselves and the people around them. Examples of "servant leadership" are taken from the Our State of Generosity website.