Understanding the Current Social Impact Landscape involves evaluating social impact through the lens of leading mission-driven organizations. Achieving financial sustainability is crucial for these organizations as they strive to make a difference. Impact measurement plays a pivotal role in this process: what’s rigorous, what’s good enough, and what’s really useful in determining effectiveness? This leads us toward a deeper understanding of poverty and inequality, as well as the barriers to college access and completion. Intervening to overcome these barriers is essential, as highlighted by initiatives like The College Board. Furthermore, impact investing, exemplified by The Rise Fund and InStride, seeks to address these challenges in higher education. The case for engagement is stronger than ever, with motivations for impact driving the conversation around social change. We must acknowledge the social capital deficit and explore how volunteering and giving can serve as impactful contributions. Learning as impact and social entrepreneurship as impact remain vital components of leadership in social change, guiding us toward a more equitable society.
Engage in 15 hours of live instruction with a world-class professor focused on evaluating social impact. Explore the topic, identify a research question, and write a research paper with 1-on-1 support from your professor. Students earn 2 UCSB PaCE Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon successful completion, which emphasizes impact measurement. Top-performing students will receive a personalized Letter of Recommendation and an offer to work 1-on-1 to extend and publish their research on leadership in social change initiated during class.
Allison