Center for Social Innovation

The Impact Labs program gives students meaningful insight and facilitates student exploration of various approaches to having social and environmental impact in the world. Through experiential learning activities students, often in partnership with a classmate, are paired with mentors at organizations to gain exposure to nonprofit board service, philanthropy, and impact investing. Students participate in meetings and activities designed to highlight the core business activities of each field and work for the organizations on a project that brings value to their host. The program will allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world organizational challenges and develop tools for their future careers and community leadership.

What to expect as an Impact Lab Associate

The Impact Labs Associate experience is a reciprocal one: students bring a fresh perspective to an organization and a desire to make a positive impact through a project; host organizations bring passion for their mission and deep experiences in their fields. The program includes the following components:

• Participation in all applicable board, committee and other meetings from mid-November through May (unless meetings conflict with an academic obligation). Expected Time Commitment: Usually about 8 hours per month. Will vary by organization. 
• Completion of a limited consulting project focused on a strategic challenge facing the host organization, between mid-November and May. Present final results to the organization and provide a copy of the presentation to the Impact Labs leadership team. Expected Time Commitment: estimated 50-80 hours. Will vary by organization.
• Mentorship by one or more employees or nonprofit board members of the host organization in order to develop greater understanding of the organization’s core business activities and the mentor’s role. 
• Participation in Impact Labs kick-off, training events, and learning circles; updates with the leadership team; (optional) overview of your experience to Impact Lab Associates in year-end BBL and evaluation at the end of the year.

What are the key benefits of the program?

• You will apply classroom knowledge to real-world organizational challenges.
• Learn about issues in particular fields, such as education, environment, healthcare and international development.
• Experience the core business activities and processes of an individual, social impact organization.
• Expand your networks with leaders in their fields and learn about certain organizations in a specific social impact field.
• Reflect on observations and lessons in learning circle sessions with other Impact Lab Associates.
• Prepare yourself for a future career or community service in the applicable fields.
• Develop tools for social impact throughout your life and career. 

What is the selection process?

• Submit a written application in the fall quarter.
• Rank order your preference among organizations seeking an Associate.
• Attend the information session.
• Demonstrate a history of professional excellence, a commitment to social impact and interest in the organization’s field and work.
• Impact Labs leadership team, comprised of student leaders and the Center for Social Innovation staff, match host partners with applicable students.

Want to learn more?

Please contact Loretta Gallegos at 650.723.7872 for more information.