The University of Montevallo’s M.A.D.E program received a large donation to improve its outreach on campus. 

“M.A.D.E” stands for “Minorities achieving dreams of excellence” and focuses on supporting minority students and the struggles they face in college. M.A.D.E was created in 2020 with the help of alumni Jason Perry. Perry now serves as the Student Diversity Recruitment and Retention Coordinator for the university. 

While the program does recruit students to attend the university, the majority of its work is done after students arrive on campus. 

“We want them to thrive, become leaders and professionals in their career paths,” Perry said. The program boasts a “four-year commitment” to its students “to assist our students through the developmental process for their transition into the workforce,” according to the M.A.D.E website.  

The $25,000 donation came from The Holle Family Foundation, a local nonprofit. The foundation work aims to “address societal needs, promote individual achievement, develop young leaders, and celebrate culture throughout central Alabama.”

M.A.D.E’s on-campus programs throughout the year rely heavily on donations to continue to grow. Recently, they’ve added services to help students obtain internships and valuable job-shadowing experience. 

M.A.D.E also hosts monthly meetings and a mentorship program for their current M.A.D.E students. The meetings often involve guest speakers who “provide representation of alumni, donors, and other professionals who have forged a path for minorities in the professional world,” according to their website. 

“The majority of the donation will go straight into scholarship funds for minority students,” said Perry. He explains that their financial services are an important aspect of the program. But, the main focus is on student retention and success after college. 

“M.A.D.E’s four-year commitment to our students means we’re not just trying to help students with the transition to college, but get the most out of the whole experience here at the university,” Perry said.  

The program has seen tremendous growth since its inception which is something Perry is passionate about keeping up.

“I hope in five years the program includes every minority on campus and is truly a program that helps them succeed,” he said. 

For more information on the M.A.D.E program, visit their website.