Curriculum Goals and Objectives
The goal of the educational program of the Institute for Social Enterprises is to enhance social entrepreneurship by offering a course that bridges instruction with practical applied knowledge. Our 12-week program covers a range of topics, both fundamental and problem-based, including social justice practices, business planning, legal issues, finance and fundraising, partnerships, and community impact.

By using an interactive approach, participants create and grow a sustainable non-profit organization with a social justice mission that engages a timely issue identified as one of the area’s most pressing social and/or environmental problems. Participants take away a plan of action for the next steps. ISE serves as a brain trust encouraging peer learning, networking with community experts, providing tips for online resources, and alumni follow-up for continued growth.

Each term ISE offers one competitive Blueprint Project Award (BPPA) per course to a non-profit organization that is ready to enact its social justice mission. The organization will serve as the model non-profit to demonstrate the application of course content. The Award includes many benefits such as targeted attention, a final evaluatory report, and a $1,000 grant.

For more information, visit: ISE Blueprint Project

Instructional Approach
The online course includes an interactive session where participants learn via real-world experiences provided by guest lecturers who are community-based experts, connect with peers in small group virtual breakout sessions, work alongside a “BluePrint Project” demonstration to grow a sustainable non-profit organization, and walk away with a plan to put into immediate action. The course includes access to online resources and networking opportunities.