Hoos Excited About Social Entrepreneurship? UVA, Of Course

April 10, 2008 in Our World by Blair Miller | 4 comments

I just returned from an energizing trip to the University of Virginia, which is both Jacqueline’s and my alma mater. At UVA, I taught two classes in the business school’s newly developed Integrated Core Experience (ICE) program - one on Acumen Fund and the other on Social Venture Capital. The students - all undergraduates - were an engaged and inquisitive group. Throughout the 7-week course, the students are exploring different ways to approach global poverty, ranging from a charity-based model to a market-based approach.

There were two really exciting things about this trip. First, I continue to be energized by the way top universities are integrating the field of social entrepreneurship into their core curriculum. This is really an essential piece of what we are doing in our knowledge pillar, in terms of sharing our best practices and institutionalizing what we’re learning.

Second, I was amazed by the students‘ passion and curiosity as well as that of the professors. They are really working to understand the unique business models, challenges, and insights of our work. There is momentum here that brings to life the entrepreneurial spirit in so many. At Acumen, we are thinking hard about the best ways to harness the energy of students and young professionals. We would love to hear your thoughts, so please respond to this blog posting with ideas and suggestions!

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