Starting this spring, Semester at Sea will offer a unique signature program in social entrepreneurship that will enable students of all majors to learn about the principles of innovation, creative problem-solving, and entrepreneurship through the new program, Social EntrepreneurSHIP. Students will assess and tackle real-world issues with global leaders who are currently engaged in creating solutions to actual problems faced in countries on the voyage itinerary. Through shipboard courses, associated field labs, and visiting guests, students will partake in case studies and projects, gaining hands-on, practical experience with real entrepreneurs.
“The Social EntreprneurSHIP program is truly our mission in action,” said Luke Jones, Chief of Staff and Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Institute for Shipboard Education. “This program will allow our students the opportunity not only to learn about the world’s most pressing challenges, but a chance to develop solutions for them.”
Offered in conjunction with the course, and also open to all students as a club opportunity, is the Resolution Project, an organization committed to developing socially-responsible young leaders and empowering them to make a positive impact. Students will have the opportunity to propose solutions to pressing problems, and at the end of the voyage, one student will be selected as a Resolution Project fellow and will receive a $3,000 cash prize to fund their idea.
The Social EntrepreneurSHIP Program is under the leadership of Christine Mahoney, assistant professor of politics and public policy at the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, University of Virginia.
