DENTON (UNT) – Kayla Castro, currently a junior at the University of North Texas who’s pursuing a major in music and a minor in the College of Health and Public Service’s nonprofit leadership studies program, has been awarded the Association of Fundraising Professionals Fort Worth Chapter Student Fellowship.

“The Association of Fundraising Professionals Fort Worth Metro Chapter is thrilled to announce its first student fellow, Kayla Castro,” said Peyton Salvarria, executive director of Gill Children’s Services and member of the AFP. “AFP is committed to empowering individuals and organizations to practice ethical fundraising through professional education, networking, research and advocacy. The fellowship will allow Ms. Castro to learn more about the profession as she prepares to start a career.”

The fellowship includes a one-year scholarship for AFP membership, free registration for up to 10 member luncheons, a full scholarship to attend the DFW Philanthropy in Action Conference in May 2019 and a mentorship with an experienced development professional.

“I am so excited and honored to be chosen for the AFP fellowship,” Castro said. “I look forward to working with others in the fundraising field to gain valuable knowledge that can help me to successfully operate my own musical education nonprofit one day. I am grateful to the UNT faculty and the Association for Fundraising Professionals for this wonderful opportunity.”

Dr. Laura Keyes, lecturer and degree coordinator, says Castro was nominated by the Department of Public Administration because of her many accomplishments in the nonprofit leadership studies program, including leading the effort to establish the UNT Nonprofit Student Leaders Association.

“We are building partnerships with the DFW nonprofit and fundraising community and together providing opportunities to introduce Nonprofit Leadership Studies students with the profession,” Keyes said. “Kayla's fellowship with AFP will allow her to engage and network with members of the association and develop a meaningful relationship with a mentor."

Dean Neale Chumbler says that with the quality of education he’s seen in the college, he’s not surprised that Castro earned the first AFP student fellowship.

“I applaud Kayla for this wonderful honor to be a recipient of this prestigious fellowship,” Dr. Chumbler said. “This is a testament to Dr. Keyes and her student-centered dedication to teaching. This new undergraduate degree in nonprofit leadership studies will equip students to bring innovative techniques to nonprofit organizations.”