The idealism, creativity, and energy of young people can serve as one of the world’s most important drivers of change – just think of past influential student movements. Today, many students are interested in getting involved in social causes and perhaps even starting their own initiatives or organizations.
It would be really overwhelming for anyone to try to create an initiative on their own, and students have to do this all while balancing their school and personal commitments. In response to student demand for support, Arizona State University has set up a new program to help students achieve social impact.
The university’s new collaborative centers, known as “Changemaker Central”, allow aspiring social entrepreneurs or activists to meet with like-minded individuals and are staffed by student “Change Agents” who are there to help their peers develop their ideas and direct them to relevant resources that will help them turn their visions into reality.
The results? With ASU’s help, students have been able to implement initiatives such as Safe SIPP, G3 Box, and Vantage Realized, which have earned national recognition for their impact.
This is a great example of a university stepping in to help students achieve social impact and develop both in the classroom and beyond. Hopefully, others will follow suit.
– Caroline Poterio Martinez
Source: Forbes
Photo: Arizona State University