Service-Learning combines service to the community with student learning in a way that benefits both the student and the community (US National & Community Service Trust Act 1993). Service Learning at Purdue introduces students to non-profit organizations who need help. The teams work with their partners to identify problems, find solutions, deliver a product/service, and reflect on the experience.
Social Entrepreneurship (SE), as defined by the Schwab Foundation “…is about applying practical, innovative and sustainable approaches to benefit society in general, with an emphasis on those who are marginalized and poor.” SE strives to meet the mission of the non-profit and provide adequate income which promotes sustainability and in turn enables the organization to better meet their mission. This process often referred to as the “double bottom line” offers both the social and economical return on investment.
I believe Service-Learning and Social Entrepreneurship share many of the same ideals and aspirations. The Social Entrepreneurship Initiative (SEI) works with student teams and provides a venue for them to present their project at a friendly competition. This year on March 1, 2008 SEI will host the Purdue Idea to Product Competition for Social Entrepreneurship.
SEI would like to pilot a new segment for this year’s competition called “Ideas”. Here is how it would work:
· 3 Service-Learning student team projects would be showcased.
· Presentation would be 10 minute each and concentrate on what the teams did for their partner and a little beyond.
· The teams would:
o Identify the organization they worked with.
o Describe the project.
o Reflect on how this project affected the lives of others.
o Research if this effort could help others through duplication.
o Discuss what it would take to move the process forward.
The 3 presentations would be scheduled 30 minutes before we break for lunch. Each person in the audience would receive a ballot and vote on the “best idea”. A $500 cash prize would be awarded to the top team to help move the project forward.
Please let me know if your team would be interested in participating. I look forward to hearing your suggestions and comments on this pilot program. I will be away from the office until January 28, but will be eager to talk with you upon my return.
Sincerely,
Burton D.
Interim
Director - Social Entrepreneurship Initiative
Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator
1201
765.494.9884
http://innovate.ecn.purdue.edu