The Nonprofit Board Leadership Program (NBLP) provides students with a unique professional opportunity to work with Columbia Business School alumni who are actively serving on nonprofit boards.
Operating under a mentorship structure, the program exposes students to the inner dynamics of successful nonprofit boards and helps prepare them for future board participation. The role of alumni in this program strengthens the connection between the business school and its ever-growing network of successful leaders in New York while also providing a resource for alumni and nonprofit boards to use to increase their effectiveness.
Questions? Contact [email protected].
The application to participate as a nonprofit partner is now closed for the 23-24 school year. For information about participating as a current student, please see the Student Information page.
Structure
Following a rigorous selection process, students are matched with an alumnus mentor and gain first hand exposure to the nonprofit’s activities through three distinct exercises:
- Students attend two to three Board of Directors meetings as an observer and aid the alumnus board member;
- Students complete an independent research project in coordination with the alumnus, the executive director, and/or key staff members of the nonprofit, and;
- Students attend two to three volunteer functions or other relevant events hosted by the nonprofit to gain a holistic understanding of the nonprofit’s operations.
Timeline
August–September
- Students are matched with alumnus mentors
- Students complete orientation at Columbia Business School;
- Students scope projects with alumnus.
October–March
- Students attend volunteer event(s) to gain an understanding of the organization;
- Students attend board and/or sub-committee meetings with alumnus;
- Students work to complete research project in coordination with alumnus.
March–April
- Students complete project with alumnus and present findings to Executive Director / Board as appropriate;
- Closing reception.