Start a Chapter
SEAL is run by student leaders
Students Expanding American Literacy (SEAL) was founded by a group of college students in 2015. Since then, hundreds of volunteers have joined SEAL to help kids dive into reading.
Even today, collegiate SEAL chapters are run by student leaders. Each chapter’s president, volunteering coordinator, recruitment director, etc., may come from different majors and backgrounds, but they all share the same passion for children’s literacy.
Meanwhile, the national SEAL board of directors consists of former chapter officers who have since graduated from college. The board supports existing chapters with fundraising and marketing, but also focuses on starting new SEAL chapters across the country.
When you start a SEAL chapter on your campus, you can join the board and connect with our mission-driven team which spans the country. If you’re interested in learning more about how a nonprofit works, you can also jump on board a committee to get hands-on experience in marketing, funding, and other areas essential to nonprofit development.
“Starting a SEAL chapter was the leadership opportunity of a lifetime.
We spent so much time recruiting, and training volunteers, but we always made time to read and play with our kiddos. Watching our students improve each week inspired us to work even harder.”
Roger Lam, SEAL UT cofounder
“Along every step of the process, I’ve felt so supported by the other SEAL officers. The network spans the country, but eager guidance is just a call away. With their help, I’ve learned how to inspire others and make longstanding, tangible impact.”
Johanna Pang, SEAL SMU cofounder
How to start a SEAL chapter
SEAL currently operates in The University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and St. Edward’s University (SEU). If you don’t attend any of those schools but want to get involved, let’s partner up and start a new SEAL chapter on your campus!
The SEAL board of directors will provide training, mentorship, and other resources to set you up for success. As you develop your campus’s chapter, you’ll have the chance to meet with local nonprofits who are equally invested in literacy and youth development. College students of all ages and majors are welcome to apply.
If you are a college faculty member and would like to recommend a student, please email us at nonprofit.seal@gmail.com.