Southwestern Advantage takes pride in helping young people build skills that extend far beyond academics and sales. One of the cornerstones of our mission is teaching the value of service—empowering individuals not just to succeed in life, but also to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
This year, the 2024 Sizzler incentive trip brought student reps to the Fiesta Americana Hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. While the trip provided a well-earned opportunity to relax and celebrate their hard work, it also included a powerful service component that left a lasting impact on the local community.
The Journey of Giving Back
The journey toward the Sizzler Service Project began long before the trip itself. During the summer, U.S. Southwestern Advantage student reps participated in Service Week, during which they voluntarily donated a percentage of their sales profits or a set dollar amount. These contributions, pooled together, create a fund for impactful, long-term community projects.
This year, those donations amounted to an impressive $35,000, which funded projects for the Volcanes Kids Education Project (VKEP). This organization provides free education and extracurricular programs for children in Volcanes, Mexico, helping them gain the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty. From tutoring and English lessons to clubs for reading, cooking, drama, and music, VKEP equips children to realize their potential.
Revisiting an Ongoing Legacy
The 2024 project held special significance as students revisited the same organization where, in 2020, they had funded the construction of a community center. This time, the focus was on maintaining and expanding its impact. The service efforts included preparing the center’s roof to prevent water damage, cleaning up the surrounding community, and spending meaningful time with the children served by VKEP.
In addition to the hands-on efforts, the funds raised this year will go toward operational expenses, including teacher salaries, ensuring the community center can continue to serve children without financial interruptions. Skilled craftspeople will carry out additional repairs in the coming months, ensuring that the project’s benefits extend well into the future.
A History of Impact
Southwestern Advantage’s service projects, organized under the Share the Advantage program, have a rich history of creating positive change. Previous initiatives have included:
• Doubling the capacity of a girls’ safe shelter.
• Building community centers in underserved areas.
• Adding wings to libraries to accommodate children and those with special needs.
• Constructing homes for families in desperate need.
• Expanding schools to provide more children with safe learning environments.
By addressing immediate needs while laying the groundwork for sustainable growth, these projects create lasting impacts in the communities they serve.
Building Future Leaders Through Service
At Southwestern Advantage, our Statement of Purpose emphasizes:
• The power of serving others, acknowledging the importance of our work.
• Giving selflessly, without expectation of return.
The Sizzler Service Project exemplifies these principles. By exposing students to the rewards of giving back, it inspires them to grow into compassionate leaders who value community, service, and positive change.
Together, we’re not just sharing the advantage—we’re building a brighter future for communities and the young people who serve them.
