The Social Innovations Fellows Program

 The Social Innovation Fellows (SIF) Program immerses students in the process of seeking innovative solutions for social transformation through business principles and hands-on engagements with for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Whereas many people in the past sought to change society through activism, today individuals are creating groundbreaking alternatives – entrepreneurial ventures that address social and environmental issues.

 The program features a cornerstone course, an interactive practicum experience, an optional internship, and co-curricular programming aimed at developing skills in the areas of sustainability, social enterprise/entrepreneurship, impact investing, marketing, and new media. Students leave the program with a deep understanding of how to apply their business skills toward addressing issues of social and environmental importance in large and small organizations alike. This is a highly interactive, experiential, and dynamic program.

 Melissa Carrier is the Faculty Champion for this program.

 “The Social Innovation Fellows program is THE platform for students interested in sustainable, green, and social business solutions. Before I entered the program, I was one of the few people I knew who even understood what social entrepreneurship was, let alone had an interest in it. To my surprise, Social Innovation Fellows immersed me in a room full of students with the same passion for learning how business could make the world a better place.” – Ryan Steinbach, Finance & Marketing, 2012

 “The program is incredibly unique and taking it was probably one of the best decisions I’ve made at UMD.  Not only do you learn things you wouldn’t in any other business class, but you use your creativity and analytical skills in a whole new way.” – Dipti Badrinath, Finance, 2012

 “That’s what I love most about the Social Innovation Fellows Program – the hands-on experiences that will shape you as a business student AND a significant contributor to society.” – Rebecca Marklin, Marketing, 2012

 Fellows Application Eligibility:

·       Must be a Business Major

·       Rising Junior or Senior

·       3.0 GPA preferred

Application Process:

Applications for 2013-2014 will be open January 7, 2013 - February 11, 2013. Application available on UNET.  Contact edoane@rhsmith.umd.edu with any questions.