Objectives

Purpose

The purpose of the Center for Social Impact is to solve complex societal problems by providing a platform for change-makers looking to create a positive impact. Unequal systems must change and they must change now. Society needs individuals who are passionate about change, who want to raise awareness in the areas that matter most, and who can think outside the box to achieve meaningful change. By balancing resources, utilizing research to inform strategies that contribute to resolve social issues, expanding education, and lifting people who are ready to support and advance social impact, we will plant seeds that yield a future that is better for everyone.

Why did you wake up today? How are you making the world a better place to live? When was the last time that you did something to positively impact your community? These questions are often difficult to answer.

The new generation of students are pursuing careers with purpose. They seek professional paths that allow them to impact society in positive ways. According to a study by Cone Communications from 2015, 91% of millennials would switch brands to one associated with a cause. The study also found that 60% of the total U.S. population would voice their opinion to a company about their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, 66% would pay more for a product associated with a social cause, and 56% would take a pay cut to work for a responsible company. People want change and they want to get involved but they simply don’t know how.

Objectives include:

  • Establish opportunity pathways for underrepresented groups to pursue careers in STEM related fields.
  • Challenge educational norms to evolve the way we build future leaders, beginning with primary school through higher education.
  • Build a connection of student organizations worldwide that collectively focuses on social impact, including enhancing entrepreneurship and innovation.
  • Address the pressing issues and challenges facing Corporate Social Responsibility efforts worldwide and help create a balance of benefits for all.
  • Bring leaders together to better define Corporate Social Responsibility and enhance positive impact.
  • Empower and create sustainable resources to continue to demand justice for all.
  • Educate and provide resources to families from low socioeconomic groups to build financial stability and planning.
  • Promote and provide resources needed to improve mental health issues within our communities of color.
  • Inspire people from all ages and backgrounds to engage in activism and advocacy.

We will do this by:

  • Building foundational strategies with education providers to build bridges between education, the needs of the community, and corporations, along with providing the needed resources;
  • Creating platforms that highlight pressing challenges and that bring together people who care, who want to contribute to make a change, and who are ready to take action;
  • Prioritizing efforts that create the most value in ways that are innovative and sustainable.
  • Nurturing alliances and commitments to ensure ongoing collaboration and societal impact; and
  • Providing data, research, resources, and expertise from various sources to further develop opportunities for social impact.