Dr. Albert Reyes of Buckner International and Dr. Tony Celelli of Stark College & Seminary
The five-year memorandum of understanding will provide potential employment opportunities, volunteer possibilities, and internships for Stark students and graduates as well as educational opportunities and degree pathways for Buckner staff.
McAllen (May 8, 2024) – Nonprofit Buckner International and Stark College & Seminary announced the launch of a collaboration to provide Stark’s students with opportunities to serve their community and learn about ministry in the context of Buckner’s mission-driven outreach to vulnerable children, families and seniors.
The memorandum of understanding was formalized on May 8, 2024 at Stark’s McAllen location, and was signed by Dr. Tony Celelli, president of Stark College & Seminary, and Dr. Albert Reyes, president and CEO of Buckner International.
The collaboration will provide Stark students with experiential ministry opportunities through Buckner short-term missions engagement, internships, humanitarian aid projects and potential employment, especially in the Rio Grande Valley where Stark maintains a location in McAllen.
Per the agreement, Stark will encourage prospective students to pursue scholarship opportunities aimed at completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree, specifically tailored to preparing them for leadership roles in nonprofit ministry, and will advertise Buckner employment opportunities among students, especially in ministry and nonprofit leadership studies.
“This collaboration allows both organizations to excel at what we do best,” said Reyes. “Buckner will support Stark with opportunities for its students to follow the example of Jesus through service to others, while Stark will offer Buckner employees the opportunity to grow their leadership skills through an exceptional program.”
Buckner will promote scholarship opportunities for study and degree completion at Stark, highlight educational opportunities at Stark among staff, particularly in the Rio Grande Valley, and engage Stark placement officers with potential vocational opportunities. Buckner will also provide orientation and support to volunteers and mission trip participants for a value-added learning experience serving vulnerable children, families, and senior adults on an as needed basis.
“This partnership between two Christ-centered institutions provides a mutually beneficial pathway, both for Stark students and Buckner employees.” said Celleli. “I’m grateful to Dr. Reyes and this new arrangement that will open the door for Stark and Buckner to make a greater kingdom impact.”
“I have great respect for Dr. Celleli and the entire Stark team,” said Reyes. “On behalf of the entire Buckner family, I express our enthusiasm for this new collaboration and look forward to a long and successful partnership.
Watch Dr. Albert Reyes and Dr. Tony Celelli’s interview about the MOU to learn more.
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About Stark College & Seminary
Stark College & Seminary exists to equip educationally under-served followers of Christ for service in the church and community. Stark is an accredited institution that provides Certificate, Diploma-level, Baccalaureate, and Graduate programs in South Texas and beyond. With affordable tuition and a close-knit community for students, Stark creates a unique opportunity for those interested in every level of ministry preparation and theological education. Learn more about how you can pursue a theological education at stark.edu.
About Buckner International
Buckner International is a faith-based nonprofit ministry dedicated to transforming the lives of orphans, vulnerable children, families and senior adults in the United States and internationally. Founded in 1879 in Dallas, Texas, today Buckner serves people through a variety of programs designed to protect children and build strong families. These programs include foster care and adoption, family transition programs, community-based family preservation programs and retirement services for senior adults. Buckner also provides humanitarian aid and crisis relief to poverty-stricken children and families. Learn more and get involved at Buckner.org.