April 26, 2012
The Catholic University of America is launching the Summer Institute for Social Entrepreneurship , a collaboration between the Metropolitan School for Professional Studies and Summer Sessions.
The institute comprises four "very powerful" six-week courses, all of which are online, according to Harriet Nokuri, assistant vice president for summer session and entrepreneurship programs. The classes, which are open to both CUA and non-CUA students, are:
Courses in social enterprises are among the fastest growing subjects in undergraduate curricula, according to a 2008 Chronicle of Higher Education article. The program will help students create, develop, and sustain innovative ideas that will integrate theory and practice in pursuit of social justice, teaching students how to incorporate entrepreneurial methods in solving social problems.
"The Summer Institute for Social Entrepreneurship ties into the University's mission," says Nokuri. "You see students go on international mission trips and work in the local community so the program fits really well into the values of our University."
In the current economy, social mission organizations have struggled, adds Nokuri, and this institute will prepare students to think of creative business strategies to address the problems these organizations face.
Students who complete these courses would have a number of options. They could start their own social or business venture, assist nonprofit organizations with business strategies, or help a traditional business become more socially conscious and entrepreneurial. More businesses are creating departments focused on corporate responsibility, Nokuri says, and someone with this educational background would be suitable to lead such a department.
Classes in social entrepreneurship have been offered at CUA in the past and were well received by students. Nokuri says she hopes that the institute will eventually be offered as a certificate program.
For more information about the institute or to register for the classes, visit http://summer.cua.edu/ .