Discover the transformative power of experiential learning as we welcome Eric Schwartz, co-founder and CEO of College for Social Innovation, and Jade Kwitkiwski, an inspiring alumna of the Semester in the City program, to the Good Neighbor Podcast. Eric and Jade share their journeys into the educational field, highlighting how hands-on experiences can ignite a passion for learning and create pathways for meaningful careers.

“It was definitely an odd way to reach students, but I guess it worked.”

Sophomore Abigail Gilbert didn’t expect her future to take shape during a casual walk through the hallways of Upper Quad at the University of New Hampshire. It was fall of 2023 when she noticed a lone table adorned with bright orange posters and pamphlets. Intrigued, she paused to chat with the person tabling. 

“One of the most common challenges students face, now more than ever before, is the search for purpose,” says Alex Johnson, senior director of the Semester for Impact (SFI) at the College for Social Innovation; the program is part of UVM’s College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). “SFI is a way to accelerate that search.”

“…I decided to step out of my comfort zone and explore options that would get me the credits I needed to graduate and offer me a priceless experience. So, I applied to the Semester in the City Program.”

Hear our Co-Founder and CEO share the origin story for CFSI, our philosophy and approach to learning and growth, and our new Gap Semester pilot program!

Eric Schwarz of College for Social Innovation spoke with Ambika Samarthya-Howard

November 3, 2023

UNH launches experiential learning program to enable students to create positive impact for New Hampshire organizations.

Aspiring teacher spent two weeks during winter break observing, assisting and teaching in a high school as the recipient of a Boston Urban Teaching Fellowship through Semester in the City.

Story By Wheaton News

Social innovator Eric Schwarz ’79 has spent his career helping to level the playing field.

Story by Sarah Abrams
Photographs by Ken Richardson

How [Daisy Burns] uses her internship experience to advance UNH sustainability.

Written by Anna Madden '24 published on UNH Blog featuring SITC Alumni Daisy Burns

“Attitude matters a lot. When you don’t let the little things bother you and ask good questions, people around you will notice, and you’ll get much more out of the experience.”

Article by Su Reid-St. John, featuring SITC Alumni Henry Neuman

Zoe Selman presents at American Cities Rebuilding conference.

Published Spring 2022

For Eric Schwarz, who graduated from UVM in 1983, storytelling is the heart of humanity and the key to creating change in our world today…

Article by Grace Morrissey, SITC Alumni S’21

A student’s reflections from Semester in the City.

“Finding Hope: The Stories of Survivors,” was one of 42 winning proposals submitted for the Watson Fellowship.