My Nonprofit Reviews

Marc T
Review for BUILD, Redwood City, CA, USA
The BUILD program is truly incredible! With a perfect record for getting their students into college, there is little room to argue about the efficacy of the program.
I had been looking for a mentoring program where the students are more motivated to participate. The BUILD program is different because the students must apply for entry each year and nearly all of them stay with the program throughout all four years of high school. With the aid of the mentors and the staff these students draft a 30-page business plan and compete against several other teams while running their own small business. After only a few short months, I began to see the passion and dedication that these young people brought to the mentor sessions each and every week as they cultivated their businesses. It was truly remarkable and personally rewarding.
The connection I made with my students has shown them that adults are capable of caring about their ideas and what they have to say. Furthermore, it has shown them that with proper guidance, even the seemingly unattainable goal of starting their own business is possible.
That’s why I will continue to do all that I can to support this organization for many years to come and I encourage others to do the same. Anyone out there looking to become a mentor should give BUILD a try. I promise it will be a life-changing experience that you and your students will not soon forget.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
several ways. The first group of students that I mentored nearly 5 years ago are all in their second year of college now and doing very well. Several former BUILD students continue to drop by the office whenever they get a chance to thank the staff and help motivate current students.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
move them to a bigger building so that they could better accommodate the ever-increasing number of students that are now benefitting from this great program.
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
I always looked forward to the one day a week when I got to volunteer with BUILD. It was the most rewarding part of each week as I really felt as though I was making a positive difference in my students' lives.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011