Midd Masters Degree in Social Entrepreneurship?
Imagine this: you get to Middlebury as a freshie, you don't know up from down but you are passionate about making the world a better place because you're young and liberal and a Facebook stalker. You take a PoliSci course and maybe Econ155, maybe even throw in some Soc/An and a music class for good measure. You get your B's and you walk out of your freshman year wondering what the hell am I doing with my life? You came to Midd to learn, love, and live but so far you've only studied about 5 case studies in "supply and demand" and have been to at least 5 Tavern parties. You want to make a difference and DO something instead of thinking about doing something. You want to save lives, save people, save yourself from boredom.
Now there's an answer: 5 or 6-year Masters Degree in Social Entrepreneurship. And it could be a reality for Middlebury students in the future. Middlebury College could soon entertain the idea of a Social Entrepreneurship undergrad and masters (accelerated?) degree. What Middlebury offering a masters degree for undergrads?!?!
Social entrepreneurship is quite simply: doing well AND doing good. In other words, it attempts to apply business principles to all of the non-profit sector from AIDS orgs to global warming foundations. Make non-profits run as efficiently as businesses and perhaps the world will have more money to spend in the right places.
The program at Middlebury might look something like this: 1st year intro courses in social entrepreneurship. 2nd year specialization into Pre-Med, Enviro Sci, or WAGS. 3rd year study abroad with a independent project and research component. 4th year Monterey Institute (MIIS -- a new Midd Affiliate) studies with professors on research abroad. 5th year back at Middlebury writing a Thesis and presenting work.
This is all the brainchild of Prof. Isham of the Econ dept. and graduating ('06.5) Feb David Hopkins. Like the idea? Go learn more and give feedback at their RAJ lecture. Encourage as many people to go as possible or email David.
Event: "Activating the Liberal Arts Education"
Date: Monday, January 22nd, 2007
Time: 4:30-6PM
Venue: Rober A. Jones '59 House (the RAJ)
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“Knowledge without boundaries.”
-Middlebury College’s new guiding principle
“[Studying social entrepreneurship] offers insights into how social value is created; how social impact can be measured, and for students to acquire a strong grasp of the various forms, models and approaches that entrepreneurs are using around the world to create ‘blended value.’”
-London Business School, Social Entrepreneurship Program Description
The event on Monday from 4:30-6:00 at RAJ will also feature Wilford Welch, a former US diplomat, board member at Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs, former Chairman at NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School), and working author of the book Hope and Possibility: The Global Rise of Social Entrepreneurs.
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