Penn and Wharton students: Make 2019 the year you learn more about the intersection of social impact and business. Take advantage of exciting programs with the Wharton Social Impact Initiative, stay in the loop about events with industry experts, and add a new podcast to your listening rotation.
Here are a few opportunities to explore this semester:
1. WISE Fellowship
Scale the social impact of your client’s business with this paid research and consulting fellowship. WSII has seven new projects this semester — WISE Fellows will work with an impact analysis accelerator, a big data researcher, a tech startup fund for women of color, and more. Explore projects and apply by 1/30.
2. Nazarian Social Innovator in Residence
Every year, we invite a leader in social impact for a multi-day visit at Penn. While they are on campus, Nazarian Social Innovators engage in a range of activities, including meeting with and coaching students individually, hosting small-group events, and leading discussions or workshops. This year, we are thrilled to host entrepreneur Joey Hundert from Feb. 25-27. Stay tuned: more information about specific events will be sent early February. Not on our student list? Sign up here.
3. Jacobs Impact Entrepreneur Prize
First-year MBAs, do you have plans to launch or expand your social enterprise? The Jacobs Impact Entrepreneur Prize can help power your start-up. Three awardees will receive funding ($5k-$50K) to sustain the development of their venture, connect with a global network of supporters and advisors, and travel to Switzerland for a weeklong networking and learning session. Learn more and apply by 2/1.
4. Bendheim Externship with Skills Fund
Skills Fund (a student financing platform) is seeking one MBA student to help with their “On Ramps” project. Skills Fund is building “On Ramps” for employers, philanthropies, and government agencies to support high-quality tech training schools in serving more under-represented populations. In addition to working with a Wharton alumna, you’ll create financial and cash flow models, analyze and present research, and offer strategic recommendations to senior leadership and key stakeholders. Apply by 1/30.
5. Pop up lunches and events
Last semester, we had engaging discussions about impact investing with special guest speakers. We heard from Dr. Dinah Koehler (Executive Director of Sustainable Research at UBS) and Rosanna Ramos-Velita, G’92, WG’92 (Chair of Caja Rural Los Andes, a microfinance institution that provides banking products to rural entrepreneurs in Andean Peru.) We’ll send you updates throughout the semester as other industry experts join us on campus. Space is always limited, so be sure to RSVP early! Sign up to be in the loop on events.
6. “Dollars and Change” Podcast
You may have heard that we’re live every Thursday morning on SiriusXM Business Radio channel 132 on our show “Dollars and Change.” But did you know we also have a podcast? Grab your headphones and a coffee, and hear from leading industry experts who are changing the world through social enterprises, impact investing, corporate social responsibility programs, social impact research, and more.
Visit the Wharton Social Impact website for more ways to stay connected.
— Nisa Nejadi
Posted: January 28, 2019
