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In his Fordham commencement speech, buildOn Founder and CEO Jim Ziolkowski shared lessons from Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, and 35 years of service about hope, compassion, and changing the world through small acts of love.
May 28, 2026

Never Give Up on Hope: Jim Ziolkowski’s Fordham Commencement Speech

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From moving to the Bronx at 13 to becoming a national student leader, Ashley Joran Cabrera found confidence, community, and purpose through service with buildOn. Read her story to discover how service changed her from newcomer to leader!
May 22, 2026

Finding Belonging Through Service: Ashley’s Story

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At buildOn’s Better Together Concert in San Francisco, headlined by Allen Stone, music, storytelling, and community came together to support school building, adult literacy, and education access around the world.
May 14, 2026

Better Together 2026: When Music Builds Schools

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Synchrony employees traveled to Senegal to build a school alongside the Loukouk community. Read our blog to see how this Trek shows the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and reflects a company culture of trust, service, and real-world impact.
May 8, 2026

From Workplace to Worksite: Synchrony’s Senegal Trek

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Ready to make a real difference? Explore what it’s like to go on a buildOn Trek to Malawi—build a school, live with a host family, and experience culture, service, and impact firsthand.
April 30, 2026

Trek in Malawi: Build, Connect, Transform

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When migrant workers face injury or unpaid wages, children’s education is often at risk. Learn how Afrin returned to school and how buildOn helps students stay on track.
April 23, 2026

Why Education Can’t Wait: Afrin’s Story

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New research from Gallup shows how service builds confidence, leadership, and purpose in young people. Read our new blog to see how buildOn’s Service Learning Programs are leading change across U.S. communities.
April 16, 2026

Service Builds Leaders. Gallup Data Proves It.

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In Sarasota, Florida, one email sparked a powerful student-led movement. See how students across the region are funding schools, going on Trek, and creating global impact through buildOn.
April 10, 2026

One Email Sparks a Movement: Sarasota United Through Trek

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