HWS News
6 May 2026 • Alums • Outcomes Nonprofit Career Trek
Students explore careers in the social sector.
During a two-day Nonprofit Career Trek, students explored career pathways while connecting with organizations serving communities across Brooklyn and Westchester County.
The trip was funded by the Gantcher Family Foundation and the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education. Students were joined by Executive Director of the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning Katie Flowers, Associate Director, Career Services Julia Walsh-Postler and Mike Gantcher '92, P'27 on the trek.
They visited Kings Bay Y, Met Council, Flatbush Development Corporation and The Children’s Village — organizations that provide services ranging from youth programming and housing counseling to food access, small business development and immigration support.
At each stop, students engaged with professionals, asking thoughtful questions about funding models, organizational strategy and the challenges of delivering services at scale.
“New York City is a complex place. It was an amazing opportunity to see what the range of needs are and the impact of these organizations. It gave students a chance to get their foot in the door, make connections and talk about internships. I think it also showed all of us that you can build a life in New York City and that there’s a real need for this kind of work,” says William “Billy” Gantcher ’27.
Students also volunteered. At Met Council, they assembled kits for community members. At Kings Bay Y, they spent time with senior citizens and learned about spaces designed to support cultural and religious connection.
“It’s one thing to read about an organization in class. But the opportunity to engage in real life, to make connections and to hear from the people on the ground personally… it’s just an amazing opportunity,” says John-Michael Childs ’28.
“We’ve learned the ins and outs of nonprofits: how they run, how they impact the communities they serve and how they’re funded. I’m grateful for the discussions, lessons and meaningful interactions,” says Poet Goldberg ’28.
Career Trek
In addition to site visits, students attended a reception at the home of Mike ’92 and Christina Gantcher P’27. Staff from the organizations attended, as well NYC alumni working across industries. Students had the opportunity to connect with Charlotte Lysohir '12, Workforce X Education Tech Leader and Aspen Economic Mobility Fellow.
Many students on the Career Trek are part of the “Philanthropy in Action: Nonprofits, Philanthropy and Giving” course this semester, cotaught by President Mark D. Gearan, Associate Professor of Business Management and Entrepreneurship Craig Talmage and Executive Director of the Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning Katie Flowers.
Top Photo: Along with Mike Gantcher ’92, students on the Nonprofit Career Trek visit the Flatbush Development Corporation in Brooklyn, N.Y.
