Amir Samandi serves as the Executive Director for Students of Service (SOS), a nonprofit dedicated to providing high school students with transformative educational experiences through travel and service programs. When Amir joined the Social Venture Partners’ inaugural fellowship class in 2019, he was still teaching full-time and managing SOS solo. Despite these challenges, he had already initiated the nonprofit’s unique program, which allows students to partly earn the costs of travel by volunteering with other community nonprofits. This innovative model not only makes global travel more accessible but also emphasizes the importance of community service and global awareness.

The SOS program is designed to immerse students in different cultures, fostering a global perspective that enriches their personal and professional lives. By engaging directly with diverse communities, students gain valuable experiences and insights, equipping them with skills that are beneficial throughout their lives and careers.

In the video, Amir shares the journey of founding SOS and highlights the substantial growth and development the nonprofit has achieved, partially due to his participation in the Social Venture Partners San Antonio (SVPSA) fellowship. The fellowship provided Amir with essential support, resources, and a network of like-minded individuals, all of which contributed to the expansion and success of SOS. This support has enabled SOS to enhance its programs and extend its impact on student participants.

The SVPSA Fellowship program is designed to spark growth for leaders at innovative nonprofits and is an essential way that SVPSA Partners engage with our community to learn about nonprofits we might not know, and to support them with our time, treasure and talent.

In December 2023, SVPSA was able to grant Students of Service a modest amount to be used as an unrestricted gift so they can apply it toward their most pressing needs. This type of funding is essential to building their capacity while also entrusting these nonprofit leaders to continue to make impact in our community.