Philanthropy/ Spirit of Giving

The SEO Career Program is about more than just individual achievement – it’s about a lifetime philosophy that emphasizes career success, philanthropy and community involvement.

"SEO is not just about you. It’s about those who came before you and those who will come after you."
        - SEO Chairman Walter K. Booker, Career Program ’81

In keeping with SEO’s core value of ‘giving back,’ interns take their first steps as philanthropists by contributing to a "class gift" to benefit youth-serving organizations in New York City. Students participating in our Philanthropy Program, using the skills and knowledge they gain during their internships at foundations and other philanthropic organizations, develop funding criteria and conduct extensive research and site visits to identify potential grant recipients. At the end of the summer, they present their recommendations to the entire class who then vote to decide the final recipients.

Since 2000, students in SEO's Career Program class have contributed over $355,000 to support the SEO Scholars Program and 26 other organizations in New York City.For our newest alumni, it is another example of their commitment to a lifetime of accomplishment and service to their communities.  Click here to learn more about past class gifts.

During their SEO summer, interns learn first-hand how to contribute to society through community leadership, public-private partnerships, volunteerism and strategic philanthropy. The experiences of SEO alumni show that career success in economically vital areas brings with it opportunities to participate in and influence the decision-making process in key areas affecting communities of color.

SEO helps young people redefine how they can serve their communities, by providing entry to careers that provide the financial resources and influence to benefit their communities in ways that extend well beyond traditional careers in the human services sector. As importantly, our graduates gain access to a powerful network of more than 5,000 SEO alumni who are already giving back to their communities as board members, financial contributors, mentors and volunteers.

“SEO taught me to do more than just work hard for money. SEO taught me to work for love of family and community. They gave me a real sense that I am participating in a social mission, which provided me with a deeper motivation than many of my peers and allowed me to work harder than them when required.”
        - Robert Reffkin,‘98

 “SEO was my door into what seemed like an impossible world to reach, my coach in the most important game of my life, and my family who offered endless advice and genuinely cared about my success.”
         - Eric Centeno,‘05