A-to-Z Index

 

Innovation Institute

ThinkImpact’s Innovation Institute is a full-immersion experiential learning program in rural Africa, rooted in philosophies of asset-based community development and design-thinking. Over the course of a summer, American students – known on the Institute as “scholars” – live in rural communities, learning about social entrepreneurship and innovation through intensive qualitative research and exploration. The Institute is based largely on values of empathy, curiosity and open-mindedness, and relies on strong cross-cultural relationships to unleash the potential for social innovation. Ultimately, scholars and community members prototype social products and services that may be sold through social businesses, which are managed and sustained locally. 

Program Details

The Innovation Institute is a curriculum based summer immersion program lasting 8 weeks (June through August), and offered on a competitive basis to select scholars from across the United States. Teams of 12 scholars led by 2 advisors are sent to live and work in rural villages in Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa where ThinkImpact has established relationships.

ThinkImpact is looking for the next generation of social entrepreneurs: people who are passionate, ambitious, adventurous and committed to our philosophy of market-based solutions to poverty alleviation. Applicants must have been enrolled at an accredited American or Canadian College/University within the past 2 years and must have a U.S. or Canadian passport or student visa.

Take a look at the Innovation Institute video.

Apply now!

To apply, complete the online application. It will require an application and an interview. First round applications are due Tuesday, December 20, 2011. Second Round applications are due Wednesday, February 22, 2012.