Santa Clara University

This is an action research fellowship

This program integrates leadership development with action research into solutions to poverty and environmental problems. It trains student leaders to conduct research in the developing world into how social entrepreneurs address the fundamental human needs of poor communities. This fellowship emphasizes leadership development, personal growth in self-awareness, and reflection on one's vocation. Research projects will be presented during fellow's senior year. Ideally, mentored research projects will enhance senior theses, design projects, and capstone projects. Applicants should be prepared for a sustained effort in research and personal reflection across all nine months of the fellowship.

View Course Syllabus

Learn more: Fellowship Research Project Workflow

Action research project prospective placements

As students apply to the fellowship, they identify their skills and interests in light of prospective social entrepreneur field placements (specific information on this will be provided in the application process). We are negotiating with six social enterprises for about 14 prospective fellowship placements. The precise placements will not be decided until we award the fellowships.

Proposed action research projects can be found below and by clicking on the enterprise icons:

     

1. Solar Ear Foundation
2. Anudip/iMerit
3. Equal Access
4. Lifeline Energy
5. Solar Sister
6. Angaza Design

Fellowship Timeline

January: Application deadline

February: Finalists interviewed

March: Fellowships announced

Spring Quarter - ELSJ 134 "Social Entrepreneurship Seminar" We use the following text book: John Elkington and Pamela Hartigan. The Power of Unreasonable People: How Social Entrepreneurs Create Markets that Change the World

June – August Six week field placement with social enterprise

Participation at the Global Social Benefit Incubator (several days in August)

Fall Quarter - ELSJ 135 "Research in Social Entrepreneurship" We use the following textbook: Christopher Lowney. Heroic Leadership: Best Practices from a 450-Year-Old Company That Changed the World

The GSBF Field Placement Experience

All Fellowship placement sites are chosen from the GSBI Alumni network which spans over 160 organizations worldwide. GSBI Alumni apply to be host sites for the program and are vetted by Center staff on the following criteria:

• Safety of the geographic region of the site
• Feasibility and quality of the research proposed by the enterprise
• Ability of fellows to gather research data at placement
• Opportunities for the fellows to learn from the communities served by the enterprise

Participation as a fellowship placement site is not a requirement for GSBI Alumni, and 25% of each class will work at an enterprise domestically.

Matching Applicants with Field Sites

Beginning in November 2012, we will post detailed information about the social enterprises hosting fellows and the action research projects they wish fellows to complete. This will include specific information on countries, enterprises, action research projects and skill requirements. In 2013, fellows will serve in India, Uganda, and other countries.

Flights and Travel Logistics

All travel bookings for fellows are made directly by Center staff. This ensures that your costs are covered and that fellows will be able to travel together for what can by up to a day depending on the placement location. The Center will also be responsible for arranging your lodging accommodations during your placement. Any additional travel and sight-seeing are the responsibility of the fellows.

Safety and Communication

Santa Clara University holds paramount the health and safety of our students. This fellowship program follows all university international safety policies, which is closely tied to the US Department of State travel information. Each GSBF placement is thoroughly evaluated for safety from known environmental, disease, or political concerns. While fellows are abroad we require weekly communication via text or email. We also track regional news online so we are equipped with the latest developments in the placement region and can act quickly in case of an emergency. No international travel is without risk. Every applicant should have a conversation about international field work with their family and loved ones prior to submitting an application.