The Social Entrepreneurship Program is a transformative journey designed to forge the next generation of socially responsible leaders and innovators. Students enrolled in SEP commit to a three-year exploration of service and action that will empower them to tackle complex issues and affect real change.
Although the program will begin with classroom conversations, students will spend much of their time interacting with peers, professionals and mentors while engaging in intensive, hands-on learning experiences within the local community. Over the course of three years, students will develop and complete a capstone project that showcases their learning journey, demonstrates their understanding of real-world challenges and presents innovative solutions.
“I love the natural curiosity, excitement AND CREATIVITY OF teenagers! It'S WHAT makes them great at tackling challenges. As the director of the social entrepreneurship program, I have the perfect opportunity to help students become passionate changemakers in the world. I'm looking forward to showing them how powerful local leadership can be and sparking a lasting love for making a difference in their own community."
Mrs. Kathleen Sharp
Social Entrepreneurship Program
Program Content and Requirements
The Social Entrepreneurship Program is a comprehensive three-year experience designed to foster social responsibility, personal empowerment and practical skills for addressing complex societal issues. Students will emerge from the program equipped to drive positive social change at local, national and global levels.
Through a combination of field trips, professional seminars and collaborative group sessions, students gain in-depth knowledge of these four area and choose an area of interest. As part of the year of exploration and learning, students also research and connect with local organizations that focus on their chosen interest, setting the stage for community engagement projects and their junior year experience.
The junior year intensifies with a three- to six-month shadowship at a vetted organization, providing firsthand exposure to the challenges and complexities involved in creating lasting change.
During this year, students will:
Observe and analyze organizational operations;
Identify a specific challenge within the organization or community;
Use design thinking to craft an action plan addressing this challenge; and
Execute their plan, developing practical skills and making tangible community impacts.
Recommended involvement in community service with a social entrepreneurship focus
Must be considered a student in good standing (all significant disciplinary and honor offenses will be subject to review and could be grounds for removal from the Social Entrepreneurship Program)
Student entrance to the program will be approved by the Social Entrepreneurship Program committee (director of social entrepreneurship program, head of Upper School, director of college counseling, and selected faculty members)
Sophomores entering the program must have completed their freshman year in good standing with a minimum GPA of 3.5
Waiving curricular or additional requirements is prohibited except for extraordinary circumstances and must be approved by the Social Entrepreneurship Program committee
B.A., English, Virginia Tech 1995 M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, University of Virginia 2002 Ed.S., Supervision and Administration, University of Virginia 2008
