The Study of the U.S. Institute (SUSI) for Student Leaders on Social Entrepreneurship is an intensive short-term academic program whose purpose is to provide groups of undergraduate student leaders with a deeper understanding of the United States while simultaneously enhancing their leadership skills. The five-week Institute will consist of a balanced series of seminar discussions, readings, group presentations, and lectures.
The coursework and classroom activities will be complemented by educational travel, site visits, leadership activities, and volunteer opportunities within the local community. The Institute will include an academic residency component of approximately four weeks and a domestic study tour of approximately one week. During the academic residency, participants will also have the opportunity to engage in educational and cultural activities outside of the classroom.
The four-week academic residency will focus on the development, history, challenges, and successes of social enterprises and community leaders, in the United States and globally. Participants will discuss topics such as microfinance; organizational development and management; grant writing; innovation; emerging markets and risk analysis; strategic business planning; corporate social responsibility; and, women and minorities in entrepreneurship.