Trinity University SPARKs a Summer of Impact

This spring, Trinity University’s Chapel and Spiritual Life (CSL) received a $40,000 grant from the Council of Independent Colleges’ (CIC) NetVUE program to pilot a new summer internship that cultivates student leadership through community engagement. The two-year grant, titled “Fostering Leadership in Communities of Faith,” will support four to five students each summer as they participate in the University’s newest initiative: the SPARK Internship Program.

What is SPARK?

SPARK, which stands for Support, Partnership, Advocacy, Resilience, and Knowledge, is a 10-week paid summer internship that offers Trinity undergraduate students the opportunity to develop leadership skills through meaningful service with faith-based organizations that advocate for their communities. During the course of the internship, students will work alongside local faith communities or faith-based nonprofits in San Antonio, developing a project that contributes to the organization's efforts to promote compassion, equity, and justice. Students will gain hands-on experience in advocacy, community service, and leadership while being mentored by experienced faith leaders.

More Than an Internship

In addition to hands-on service, students gather weekly with Trinity’s university chaplains for guided discussions on social issues, vocational exploration, and spiritual growth. The internship culminates in a final project where students reflect on their experience and the impact of their work.

The SPARK Internship not only builds tangible leadership skills but also invites students into deeper vocational discernment, helping them explore how their values, education, and calling intersect in real-world contexts.

Hear From the 2025 SPARK Interns

Esther Dodson ’28

Hometown: Rio Hondo, Texas
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church

When I applied to Trinity’s SPARK program, I didn’t get to choose where I would intern. Instead, I was matched with Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. I’ll be honest; I wasn’t sure what to expect. But as the summer unfolded, this unexpected placement became one of the most eye-opening experiences of my college journey so far.

Before this internship, I hadn’t thought much about how nonprofit organizations and churches, in particular, function behind the scenes. Being at Antioch has completely changed my perspective. I’ve gotten an in-depth look at the leadership, planning, and sheer coordination it takes to support a community. It’s far more complex and structured than I ever imagined.

One of the biggest surprises? The amount of documentation involved. I had no idea how much administrative work goes into running programs like the Food Bank and the youth outreach initiatives. Every service offered to the community is backed by careful planning, records, and compliance. It’s been an education in nonprofit management I didn’t know I needed.

Throughout the summer, I’ve been involved in several projects that support Antioch’s youth programs. I’ve seen firsthand the importance of creating spaces and opportunities for Black youth in San Antonio. My hope is that the work I’ve contributed helps build a stronger, more empowered generation.

Another highlight of the experience has been the weekly check-ins with Trinity’s chaplains. These moments of reflection and connection helped me feel grounded, especially when challenges came up. The cohort meetings also gave me a chance to hear about my peers' internships, and I always left those conversations feeling more supported and inspired.

This internship has shaped how I see community work and given me tangible skills I’ll carry into my future. From communication and organization to leadership and critical thinking, I’ve grown so much professionally in just a few short weeks.

If I had to sum up SPARK in one phrase, it would be: You get back what you put in. The only way to truly get the most out of this experience is to go all in. I did, and it’s made all the difference.

Aseel Eltom ’28

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Muslim Children Education and Civic Center/Al Madinah Masjid

I chose to intern at the Muslim Children Education and Civic Center (MCECC) because I knew it was a welcoming space, somewhere I could bring my ideas, learn from others, and especially engage with the youth who inspire me every day. What I didn’t realize was just how much this experience would stretch me, challenge me, and ultimately change me.

Working closely with the children and helping organize community events has reshaped how I view leadership. Leadership is not just about leading; it’s about leading by example, listening, and creating an environment where others feel empowered to grow and contribute. I’ve learned that true leadership is shared, and it thrives in collaboration.

One of the most eye-opening parts of this experience has been realizing that community service isn’t always sunshine and roses. There are long days, limited resources, and unexpected hurdles. But even in the hard moments, I’ve seen how small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect that truly matters. Those smiles and small victories are what keep you going.

The weekly check-ins with Trinity’s chaplains have been a grounding part of this experience. They’ve given me a space to reflect on both my wins and challenges and to process what this summer has meant on a deeper level—spiritually, emotionally, and professionally. The support I felt during those conversations made all the difference.

I’m leaving this summer with stronger organizational skills, more confidence in working across cultures and age groups, and a deeper connection to my values. If I had to sum up my SPARK experience in one word, it would be rewarding. This internship not only helped me grow professionally, but it also deepened my faith like never before. I’m grateful for every challenge, every breakthrough, and every meaningful conversation. These are lessons I’ll carry with me for years to come.

Andrea Rodriguez ’27

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
H. E. Butt Foundation

I’ve had the privilege of serving as the storytelling intern for the H. E. Butt Foundation’s Know Your Neighbor program. The foundation, rooted in Christian values, supports educational and environmental equity across San Antonio. For me, faith is more than a belief system—it’s my vocation. That’s why I chose this internship: to learn how to better serve my neighbors, my peers, and the students I hope to one day teach.

One of the most meaningful lessons I’ve learned is about leadership. I used to think leadership meant being in charge, but I’ve realized it’s about relationships. It's about slowing down enough to listen, to truly hear people, care for them, and walk alongside them with humility and kindness.

I’ve also gained insight into the world of community service I didn’t expect. I now understand how nonprofit organizations are funded and how competition for limited resources can challenge even the most well-intentioned efforts. It's a side of service I hadn't seen before.

A special part of this summer has been our weekly meetings with Chaplain Alex, Chaplain Jess, and the rest of the SPARK Cohort. These conversations have been such a blessing. I’ve loved hearing about the people they serve, learning from their wisdom, and sharing in a community where faith and service intersect deeply.

I hope the stories I’ve helped tell this summer will reach people the Foundation might not otherwise reach. I hope those stories spark something—compassion, curiosity, connection. I also hope that, in small ways, my presence in the office brought a little bit of joy, light, and love to those I worked alongside.

I’m walking away from this experience with a deeper understanding of San Antonio’s history, the district system, how school funding operates (and struggles), and the inner workings of nonprofit organizations. It’s been a whirlwind of learning.

If I had to sum up this summer in one word? Sparkling. It’s a little cheesy, but honestly, it fits. This internship has lit up my understanding of myself, of the city I call home, and of the systems I hope to change for the better.

Julia Trevino ’28

Hometown: McAllen, Texas 
Iglesia Cristiana Roca de Refugio

I served as a SPARK intern at Iglesia Cristiana Roca de Refugio, a small, Spanish-speaking Mennonite church in San Antonio that serves recently arrived immigrant families, many of whom live significantly below the poverty line. The church’s mission—to be a church for and led by immigrants—has offered me a powerful space to witness how faith and justice can work hand in hand.

This internship has profoundly shifted how I understand leadership. I’ve come to see leadership not just as guiding others but as showing up consistently, listening closely, and being willing to serve in whatever ways are needed. At Roca de Refugio, where nearly everything is run by volunteers, I’ve learned that strong leadership is often quiet, relational, and grounded in a deep commitment to community. It’s about empowering others, especially in spaces with limited resources but abundant love.

I didn’t fully understand how relational and improvisational community service can be. I’ve seen firsthand how the most meaningful support often comes from simply being present, offering help, sharing meals, listening, and learning from those who are facing systemic barriers. It’s also taught me that humility and adaptability are essential when serving communities whose stories and experiences may differ from mine.

The biweekly conversations with Trinity’s chaplains have been deeply reflective and restorative. They’ve offered a space for me to process everything I’m encountering and to reflect on my spiritual growth, my vocational path, and how faith can anchor and sustain social action. These discussions have made me feel supported and challenged in meaningful ways.

Even though my time at Roca de Refugio is just one summer, I hope the small contributions I’ve made—whether in organizing events, supporting families, or just being present—have helped lighten the load for this hardworking community. More importantly, I hope my work reflects a spirit of partnership and that I can continue to provide support even after the summer ends.

I’m leaving this internship with a renewed sense of direction and purpose. I’ve learned that faith-driven leadership doesn’t require perfection or expertise—it requires compassion, commitment, and courage. If I had to describe my SPARK summer in one word, it would be transformative. This experience has stretched me, grounded me, and reminded me of why service and social justice matter.