WELCOME TO A NEW KIND OF CLASSROOM
As a Social Innovation Fellow, you’ll also take two courses, taught by our staff. Curriculum focuses on social innovation and the social impact sector, and also gives you ample time to reflect on your internship work. Our classes are a key part of our holistic approach to experiential learning and internships: you’ll learn theory in class and put it to practice at your internship, maximizing your growth both inside and outside the classroom. The homework load is between 3-5 hours per week on average. The classes are multidisciplinary, discussion-based, and are really curated to help you get the most out of your internship and develop a deeper understanding of how to solve problems.
SOCIAL INNOVATOR’S TOOLBOX
The Social Innovator's Toolbox course is a weekly seminar on Wednesday evenings from 4-7pm that exposes students to the field of social innovation through case studies, short readings, interactive student-led work, crafting a three minute speech delivered at Showcase (graduation), and facilitating small group discussions. Through a series of field-tested assignments, or “deliverables”, students are introduced to and practice applying different concepts and methods from social innovation, social entrepreneurship, sustainable development, nonprofit management, and social impact evaluation to their specific work in their internships.
BECOMING A PROBLEM SOLVER
Becoming a Problem Solver is our Friday hands-on course that builds the skills of students as change makers for social good. Fellows participate in skill-building and reflective workshops designed around our core skills of launching a purpose driven career, working in diverse teams, persuasive communication and human centered problem solving. Reflection plays a big role on Fridays whether by journaling, through discussion in pairs and small groups, or by writing a culminating reflection essay. Fellows practice new concepts and skills every week and engage in team-based community research projects and develop their professional on-line profile and portfolio of work. Breakfast and lunch are provided.
LEARNING CORE SKILLS
During Semester in the City, we hope that students come away with growth in these 4 skill areas: Launching a purpose driven career, working in diverse teams, persuasive storytelling, human-centered problem solving. Learn more about what you will gain in each of these areas!
