Social Innovation Global Scholars provides an opportunity for students to develop global perspective and understanding of the Global Goals for Sustainable Development, gain inspiration from social innovators tackling complex problems in a global context, and build practical skills while implementing a self-directed social innovation project.
Students develop intercultural insights through participation in a short-term study abroad program focused on social innovation, such as learning about social enterprises, social finance, and impact labs in Israel or participating in a social impact boot camp to address a local social or environmental problem in South Africa. Upon re-entry, students are eligible to receive a scholarship, mentorship, and peer support to implement a social innovation project (e.g., launch a social impact venture, create a value-added project within a social sector organization, organize a grassroots social action initiative or a philanthropic campaign).
The first short-term study abroad program—Social Innovation in Israel—launched during 2020 winter intersession. Students visited the State of Mind Innovation Center, Social Finance Israel, Impact Labs, MassChallenge Israel, Meet the Founders Startup Excursion, Middle East Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow, as well as a variety of social enterprises to learn more about strategies for social entrepreneurship and innovation in Israel. Students also participated in cultural excursions in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem, and engaged in structured reflection to process their learning and develop ideas and commitments to their social impact projects.
Due to pandemic-related study abroad restrictions, Social Innovation Global Scholars has been temporarily suspended. New programs will be posted when available.