“ Social change work often demands relationships and time that extend beyond the scope of academic assignments. Working with the Institute allowed me to engage with what was being taught in my classes in a tangible way and offered new perspectives on navigating complexity. As a student, social innovation often appears framed as work that belongs primarily within the nonprofit and social purpose sector. My experience with the Institute challenged that perspective. It taught me how to collaborate across sectors, strengthened my facilitation skills and encouraged me to stay open and curious about the diverse pathways the contribute to community prosperity.

Student intern - Art for Social Change Project Assistant BBA (General Management) & Social Innovation Minor

“ I used to see marketing as just a business tool until the Institute showed me its power to drive social change. Through mentorship, trust, and space to lead, the Institute allowed me to apply the skills learned in class but also explore my creative and systems thinking skills. I’ve learned that changemaking doesn’t follow one path, and that even in communications, there’s room for purpose. This experience reshaped how I see the world around me and the many diverse paths toward social innovation and community prosperity.

Student intern - Communications BBA (Marketing)

“ In working with the Literacy Lab I have been able to utilize the research and writing skills gained in my undergrad in a purposeful, real-world context. Being a lab assistant gave me the opportunity to meaningfully connect with countless community members and organizations. Systems change is not a field I ever saw myself working in–frankly, it isn’t even a field I knew existed! But after graduating and shifting to full-time work with the Institute, I have realized how deeply this position has reshaped how I understand and interact with the world around me.

Student intern - Early Childhood Literacy Lab Assistant BA (Psychology)