Recently, Buckner International and Stark College & Seminary announced the launch of a collaboration to provide Stark’s students with opportunities to serve their community and learn about ministry in the context of the Buckner mission-driven outreach to vulnerable children, families and seniors.

The memorandum of understanding was formalized in May 2024, and was signed by Dr. Tony Celleli, president of Stark College & Seminary, and Dr. Albert Reyes, president and CEO of Buckner International.
  
Beginning in April, the collaboration started offering Stark students with experiential learning opportunities through Buckner volunteering, short-term missions engagement, internships and humanitarian aid projects, especially in the Rio Grande Valley, two hours south of Stark’s Corpus Christi campus. 

Per the agreement, Stark will support prospective students with pursuing scholarship opportunities aimed at completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree, specifically tailored to preparing them for leadership roles in nonprofit ministry, and will advertise Buckner employment opportunities among students, especially in ministry and nonprofit leadership studies.

“This collaboration allows both organizations to excel at what we do best,” Reyes said. “Buckner will support Stark with opportunities for its students to follow the example of Jesus through service to others, while Stark will offer Buckner employees the opportunity to grow their leadership skills through an exceptional program."

  
Buckner will promote scholarship opportunities for study and degree completion at Stark, highlight educational opportunities at Stark among staff and engage Stark placement officers with potential vocational opportunities.

Buckner will also provide orientation and support to volunteers and mission trip participants for a value-added learning experience serving vulnerable children, families and senior adults on an as needed basis. 

“I have great respect for Dr. Celleli and the entire Stark team,” Reyes shared. “On behalf of the entire Buckner family, I express our enthusiasm for this new collaboration and look forward to a long and successful partnership."

Find out more on Albert Reyes' blog.