The Mississippi Project is a spring break trip that gives Gies freshmen and sophomores the opportunity to experience Mississippi and its history, collaborate with the local community, and explore how you can use business as a tool to do good. This is an extraordinary opportunity to understand Business on Purpose in action, and to further discover your own path to purpose.
Applications for the 2022 Mississippi Project are due October 21, 2021. If selected for this spring break trip, you’ll leave Champaign on March 12 and travel by van to Clarksdale. We will stay at the Travelers Inn in downtown Clarksdale, where each student will have a single room and private bathroom. On March 20 we will return to campus. Cost for the Mississippi Project will be approximately $450 per student (includes: transportation, hotel, food, and group activities), with scholarship assistance available.
Here’s what you can expect as a Mississippi Project team member:
- Engage with local leaders to learn about the Clarksdale community, its history, and its business development and potential business models
- Develop a proposal for the next business addition to the Clarksdale downtown area
- Present your proposal to Clarksdale business leaders and the Chamber of Commerce
Business can be a noble profession—especially when we listen to all of the voices of a community and collaborate towards using business to meet the needs expressed by the community. The Mississippi Project is one way for you to experience that firsthand. If you want to be inspired on your journey as a purpose-driven leader, apply now.
If you have any questions, please email mississippi@business.illinois.edu.