How it Works

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Fellows are first engaged in a two-semester speaker series through which they have intimate interaction with global leaders, CEOs, award-winning professors, and world-renowned authors.  During this time, they embark on local trips, participate in events, and take part in team-building activities, all the while benefitting from an engaging community of mentorship, reflection, and support.  They are each then connected to an internship opportunity that matches a career they are passionate about so they can gain practical working experience in an area of interest.  Finally, at the end of the program, the Fellows develop plans for social ventures and receive access to a network of additional resources and funding opportunities through the Compass Community.

Phase 1 – Introspective Learning and Developing the Skills

The first phase of the Fellowship involves weekly modules and Mentor group gatherings for a full academic year. Each module focuses on a specific theme and is led by a community expert in that area of focus.  Mentor groups meet regularly to discuss the week’s topic and how Fellows can integrate what they have learned into their personal and professional lives.  This phase is divided into two sections: Personal Development and Skills Development. The first section focuses on teaching the Fellows how they can best understand themselves, their values, their relationships, and the world around them. The second section focuses on practical entrepreneurial education so students can turn their ideas into reality.

Phase 2 – Learning by Contributing to an Existing Social Business

During the summer or semester immediately following Phase 1, the Fellows are connected to an internship with an established business in their field of interest. By utilizing our expansive network of partners, we secure enriching internships that show students how social entrepreneurship can be a lucrative, exciting career.

While participating in an internship, each Fellow remains closely connected to the Fellowship class.  Fellows hold one another accountable to making progress on their ventures and personal growth as they explore social entrepreneurship beyond the structure of the first phase.

Phase 3 – Applying What You Have Learned and Making a Difference

During the third phase of the Fellowship, students start their own social businesses using the resources of Compass Partners to support them. Students establish extensive plans for their prospective ventures with the support of the Mentors and peers and develop teams using their contacts from the Fellowship.

These ventures will be independently incorporated and managed, as it is important that the Fellows feel a sense of ownership in what they do. Nevertheless, they will become part of the Compass Partners portfolio and social entrepreneurship community. At the end of this program, the Compass Fellowship will have helped develop fifteen undergraduate students into innovative leaders with ethical grounding, practical business skills, and a focus on making a difference.