Hellenic College Students to Gain Experience Through Mount Athos Foundation

BROOKLINE, MA — Hellenic College and the Mount Athos Foundation of America (MAFA) have established a partnership giving students in the college’s online Nonprofit Leadership and Management program opportunities for practical experience in nonprofit leadership, research, communications, and educational programming.

The partnership is integrated into the NPLM curriculum, in which senior majors complete NPLM 4000, a required two-semester internship. Through placements with MAFA, students will apply their academic preparation to the work of an organization dedicated to promoting understanding of the history, culture, spirituality, art, and intellectual heritage of Mt. Athos.

Depending on their assignments, interns may assist with research and educational initiatives, communications, event planning, development, administration, and outreach. The placements are intended to help students develop professional skills while gaining experience in an organization connecting scholarship, education, philanthropy, and Orthodox Christian heritage.

Dr. Nicholas Ganson, dean of Hellenic College, said the partnership advances the school’s commitment to experiential learning and gives students an opportunity to connect spiritual and intellectual formation with professional preparation and service. He described MAFA as providing “a valuable opportunity” for students to support education, scholarship, and the preservation and promotion of the heritage of Mount Athos.

Chris Mellen, president of MAFA, said the partnership reflects the organizations’ shared commitment to education, service, and leadership development. He said students will gain hands-on experience in program support, outreach, and nonprofit administration while becoming more familiar with the nonprofit sector.

The internships will function both as academic courses and professional placements. MAFA supervisors will oversee students’ daily work and provide guidance and feedback, while Hellenic College faculty liaisons will oversee academic requirements, assessment, and the awarding of credit.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. Elpidophoros was to invest 47 new Archons in New York.