CMU Alumnus interviewed on The Jennifer Hudson Show

CMU Alumnus Sam Prater '07 was on The Jennifer Hudson Show on Monday, speaking about Los Angeles Room & Board, the California-based nonprofit safe haven he founded for college students suffering from homelessness and food insecurity.

Since L.A. Room & Board opened in 2020, Prater has helped hundreds of students complete college. In just four years, the nonprofit has grown to feature four locations and 18 full-time staff members.

“[We’re] just not providing a cot for people to stay on. We try to provide spaces that feel like you have dignity, that feel inspirational and aspirational,” he told Hudson on the show. “We want to set them up for success for life before they leave our spaces.”

Prater attended CMU from 2003-2007, graduating with a bachelor's degree in organizational communication. He was very active on campus, working as a Resident Assistant, participating in the Alternative Spring Breaks Program, and serving as the Vice President of the Student Government Association, among other activities.

After earning his degree from CMU, he went on to earn a master’s, and doctorate degree before launching L.A. Room & Board in a vacant sorority house with 15 students. Today, the organization can room 190 students.