UMGC Global Give 2025: Empowering A Community to Make A Difference

May 30, 2025

In honor of National Volunteer Month, UMGC hosted Global Give 2025, an initiative empowering the university community of alumni, students, faculty and staff to develop a greater sense of community by using their skills and education to make an impact through giving back.

This year’s initiative supported financial literacy education, which is fundamental to a stable and successful life. According to a 2024 study by the TIAA Institute of the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center, Americans only answered 48 percent of financial literacy questions correctly, which puts them at risk for increased debt and lower levels of savings and retirement preparedness.

“At UMGC, we believe education extends beyond the classroom—it’s about shaping compassionate, globally-minded citizens,” said UMGC Associate Vice President Nikki Sandoval. “Participating in the Global Give initiative empowers our students, faculty, and staff to make a tangible impact in communities around the world. It’s a powerful reminder that when we give our time and talents, we strengthen not only the lives of others but also our shared humanity.”

UMGC Global Give 2025 made a meaningful impact. This year:

531 volunteers participated across 43 states and two countries.
Volunteers contributed more than 8,970 hours to their local communities.
Our UMGC community raised over $65,172 for scholarships and critical programming to provide emergency resources to students in need.

Engaging in Volunteer Activities

As in prior years, participants had many different ways to get involved. Students, alumni, faculty and staff were encouraged to participate in volunteer opportunities in their local communities. UMGC provided resources to help them identify an activity and a cause that is meaningful for them to actively support it through volunteering.

UMGC, in collaboration with the Junior Achievement of Greater Washington and the Junior Achievement of Central Maryland, hosted UMGC Global Give 2025 Volunteer Day on April 9, 2025, at four Junior Achievement (JA) locations throughout Maryland and Virginia.

This event brought together UMGC students, alumni, and staff, along with JA team members, to volunteer at JA's Finance Park — a program designed to give middle school students personal financial planning and career exploration, helping them build a foundation to make intelligent financial decisions about income, expenses, savings, and credit.

“Financial literacy has the power to change lives for the better, and we’re proud to support organizations that help people become more independent and fulfilled,” notes Sandoval. “Junior Achievement is doing great work, and volunteering at Finance Park allows us to make a direct impact—guiding teens through real-world financial scenarios that equip them with essential life skills. It’s a hands-on way to invest in the next generation’s confidence and success.”

In all, 63 volunteers assisted with digital simulations designed to teach the young students real-life financial skills. During the event, they rotated around Junior Achievement’s “mini cities” with custom business store fronts. The middle schoolers who participated learned about careers, savings, budgeting and finances, which helps prepare them to make decisions in the real world when the time comes.

UMGC Giving Day 2025

To cap off the celebrations, UMGC hosted Giving Day 2025 on April 30. Contributions collected through this annual campaign will ensure students have access to a transformative education at UMGC that will equip them to meet their education and professional goals.

“This annual tradition is another way members of the UMGC community have a positive impact on the lives of our students,” says Sandoval. “Together, we have funded student scholarships, provided emergency resources and supported other areas of need across the university.”

This year, more than $65,172 was raised to help remove financial barriers for students through scholarship and program support. To learn more, visit Giving Day 2025.

Learn more

Last month the university united to showcase the power of education to transform lives, families, communities, and the world by participating in a multitude of volunteer activities. Thank you to all the volunteers who participated. Visit UMGC Global Give 2025 to view photos, for additional information on this year’s initiative, and to learn how you can make an impact in the communities in which you live and work.