Our Impact
In collaboration with colleges and host organizations, we are on a mission to inspire and educate the next generation of problem solvers.
Over the last seven years, we’ve demonstrated substantial impact on our 618 fellows and 222 host organization partners, as measured by a suite of nine evaluation tools.
The results from our pilot demonstrate the significant impact our Semester in the City internships have had on multiple stakeholders.
The students involved have reported substantial personal and professional growth, gaining invaluable skills and insights related to their field of interest. Host sites have described the contributions of interns as transformative, noting enhancements in project outcomes and team dynamics. Additionally, partner colleges have highlighted the increased engagement and preparedness of students upon returning to campus.
These findings validate the importance of integrating practical experiences into academic structures, illustrating a clear benefit to students, organizations, and educational institutions alike. Further detailed analysis can be found in our comprehensive report.
Proof Our Model Works
Innaugural Semester in the City Cohort | Fall 2016
Key Highlights from our Results:
Student Development —
98% of students reported improved confidence in their abilities to effect social change. (n=200)
99% developed new professional connections that will aid in their future careers.
Host Site Feedback —
99% of mentors reported building capacity due to a Fellow.
Many organizations expressed a desire to continue partnerships for future semesters.
College Partnerships —
Participating colleges reported an increase in student satisfaction with experiential learning opportunities.
Faculty indicated a greater alignment of curriculum with real-world application as a result of student work and involvement.
Student Outcomes
When it comes to internships and off campus study, not all experiences are created equal. College for Social Innovation’s semester programs equip college students with the skills and perspectives to not only grow their professional preparedness, but also their ability to create positive change.
High-Impact Learning as a Pathway to Skill Attainment & Career Success
Professional Development
100% of Alumni report gaining professional skills
99% of students reported gathering new connections within their professional network
98% of alumni report building the skills to becoming a more valuable employee
Internship mentors report student skill gains that are multiple deviations above national employers’ ratings of comparable skills
Personal Growth
98% of Alumni report meaningful gains in self confidence (n=200)
96% of alumni report increased clarity about goals and plans for the future
Explore alumni stories to learn how CFSI programs help students gain confidence and clarity while connecting the dots from college to career
Institutional Impact
College for Social Innovation is staffed by professionals with deep experience in education, youth development, and the social innovation sector. We understand the landscape of higher education, including the financial and demographic pressures that institutions face as well as the power of uniting academic programs with intentional opportunities for applied learning.
Spring 2022 Graduation Showcase
Build Your Brand
Stand out from the competition by guaranteeing high-impact internships for students in underserved majors as well as students who have historically had less access to professional development opportunities.
Supplement Your Scholarships
As AmeriCorps members, each student who completes SITC receives an additional ~$2,000 Segal Education Award to direct towards education expenses.
Strengthen Key Statistics
Current college partners agree that partnering with CFSI directly supports their ability to meet institutional goals for student enrollment, retention, and graduate outcomes.
"We are in the business of providing life-changing experiences to our students, and our partnership with College for Social Innovation is an important part of that mission. If talking about CFSI with prospective students causes even 10 more students to enroll, that alone more than pays for the program."
William Falls
Dean of University of Vermont’s College of Arts and Sciences
Experiential Learning & Civic Impact
College for Social Innovation’s semester programs are rooted in a strong foundation of peer-reviewed research into how young adults best learn and develop as emerging professionals and civic leaders. As a provider of semester programs, our goal is for students to return to campus as stronger and more professionally prepared civic leaders; as a provider of internships, we seek to strengthen the social sector by providing critical support to local nonprofits. When these two aspirations translate into action, the results are continually inspiring.
Proven Pedagogy
Semester program pedagogy reflects and reinforces current research and best practices in high-impact learning and experiential education.
National Learning Community
Join a network of educators and program alumni who are leading the charge to bring experiential learning into core college curricula.
Develop Civic Leaders
CFSI graduates return to campus better equipped to contribute to their college communities.
Deepen Impact Networks
Join a network of 200+ organizations that train, hire, and connect your students to careers of impact.
Strengthen the Social Sector
Affiliate your institution with a program that provides critical support to social impact organizations.