Sherman, Texas -- The Austin College Social Entrepreneurship for Poverty Alleviation (SEPA) program has finalized its summer 2026 matches. 

SEPA pairs talented Austin College student interns with local nonprofits to focus on community development through grant writing, providing hands-on experience for the students and a valuable service to local agencies. 

Over the summer, 16 students will work with the participating nonprofit organizations for at least 200 hours to help with program or project development, researching new funding opportunities, and writing grant proposals. Work provided by interns is at no cost to the nonprofit, and each intern is paid a stipend provided by Austin College. Individual meetings are held with the nonprofit and their matched students throughout the summer to help guide the teams in their grant-seeking.  

Organizations participating this year include:

Austin College

Boys & Girls Club of Sherman

Grayson County Pride

My Possibilities

Open Arms Shelter

Sherman Community Players

Sherman Public Library

The Sherman Museum

Sherman Symphony Orchestra

Texoma Family Shelter

Women Rock

Your Health Clinic - Callie Clinic

Heart of a Matter Ministries

Evergreen Life Services of Texas

Grayson Grand Central Station

Greater Texoma Health Clinic

Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, proudly celebrates 150 years in the Texoma region in 2026. Since establishing its home in Sherman in 1876, the College has formed deep and lasting partnerships with the community—collaborations that continue to enrich both campus life and the broader region. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. Known for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, and hands-on learning, Austin College is one of 44 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s Colleges That Change Lives. Founded in 1849, it is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under its original name and charter.