In May, Sydney Harris graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Foreign Affairs and plans to begin law school in the fall. But there was one more accomplishment on her list – Sydney wanted to find a meaningful way to spend her summer. Thanks to Atlantic Union Bank’s Future Impact Makers Grant, she found it at SOAR365.
This summer, Sydney worked with both the Community Engagement and Human Resources teams, learning what it takes to support a nonprofit that serves thousands of individuals with disabilities and their families each year. The experience gave her a firsthand look at the people, planning, and teamwork behind SOAR365โs mission.
“The internship project that had the biggest impact on my learning was completing research for our fundraising team,” she said. “It gave me insight into the nonprofit world and opened my eyes to just how important donors are to SOAR365. Without them, we wouldn’t work! I learned the importance of donor relationships and how much time and thought goes into grant proposals and maintaining donor interest.”
That behind-the-scenes experience helped her understand that every volunteer, donor, and staff member played a role in creating opportunities for the people SOAR365 serves.
Working across two different departments gave Sydney an even broader perspective.
“Although each department is distinctly different, they both work together to ensure SOAR365 runs smoothly,” she said. “Human Resources has its foot in every door of SOAR365, and the Community Engagement team is the backbone behind our community relationships and philanthropy. SOAR365 could not function without either.”
As the summer went on, Sydney found herself working on skills she didnโt expect.
“I learned people skills and gained the ability to talk with anyone,” she said. “Interacting with volunteers, different departments, and the community strengthened my social skills and ability to connect with others.”
While Sydney gained valuable experience, her internship also highlighted the power of investing in future leaders. Atlantic Union Bank’s Future Impact Makers Grant is designed to help students gain real-world experience while strengthening nonprofit organizations like SOAR365.
“The Future Impact Makers Grant reflects Atlantic Union Bank’s commitment to economic mobility, workforce development, and strong communities,” said Linda Hall, Community Impact Funding Program Manager at Atlantic Union Bank. “By funding internships with community-based organizations, we’re helping students gain real-world experience while supporting nonprofits that are making a difference every day. Since 2023, we’ve provided 155 grants totaling $620,000 to help create these opportunities, and we’re proud to partner with organizations like SOAR365 that are helping build brighter futures for students and the communities they serve.”
For Sydney, that investment made all the difference. “Atlantic Union Bank’s grant made this internship possible for me,” she said. “If this position were not paid, I likely would need to get another job to make money this summer. Thank you, Atlantic Union Bank, for making it possible to intern at SOAR365 this summer!”
For SOAR365, the impact has already reached far beyond one summer. Sydney brought fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and a willingness to help wherever she was needed. In return, she gained a deeper understanding of the nonprofit sector, building strong professional skills, and gaining experiences that will stay with her as she begins law school this fall at Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
Outside of work and school, Sydney is an avid reader and self-described fashion lover who enjoys scrolling Pinterest and planning her next wardrobe. Those interests, along with her passion for law and public policy, make up the next chapter sheโll begin this fall.
We are thankful to Atlantic Union Bank for investing in future leaders and to Sydney for sharing her time, talents, and passion with SOAR365. Together, they helped make this summer one of learning, growth, and lasting impact.
Interested in volunteering with SOAR365? Learn more by exploring ourย websiteย or contact Liz Harris Baker, Director of Volunteer Engagement, at (804) 665-1210 orย [email protected]. SOAR365 offers fun and rewarding opportunities for individuals or groups to give back!