In the beginning of May, I was informed that I was selected as a participant to “Study of the U.S. Institutes” program for ‘Social Entrepreneurship’. Program started on 29 of August and was hosted by ‘Indiana University’ Bloomington, Indiana.
During the course 20 participants from 20 European countries were studying in Kelley School of Business, visiting social enterprises of Bloomington, Indianapolis (IN), New Orleans (LA), Washington D.C.
Lectures in Kelley covered variety of topics such as ‘Social Entrepreneurship’, ‘Project planning’, ‘Impact of Cross – Cultural Dimensions on Business’ ‘Business operations of Social Enterprise’, ‘Innovative Thinking’, ‘Sustainable Development’, ‘Double &Triple Bottom Line as mechanism to Social Changes’ and many others.
Big amount of time was dedicated to developing our own and team projects. My own project is “17CHOICE” Co-working Center of Basic Knowledge and Professional Orientation. It is aimed to help high school students to prepare themselves to National Exams and to the most crucial decision of their life – career choice.
In the end of 4-week residence in Indiana University we proudly received certificates of Kelley School of Business.
For better understanding of that how Social Enterprises do their job in the USA we have done a lot of sight visits. In Indiana – “Stone Belt”- rehabilitation center for people with mental disabilities, “Rhino’s Youth Center” – youth art center, “Timmy Global Health”- non-profit organization which is aimed to provide qualified medical care for low income families in Africa, “Habitat for Humanity” – organization which builds houses for low income families.
In New Orleans – “Propeller” – Business incubator for social entrepreneurs. In Washington D.C – “First Book” –NGO which provides children from low income families new books at 60% and higher discount etc. And also “Grameen Foundation”.
As a part of leadership program organizers gave us an opportunity to visit Teambuilding training in Bradford Woods. It was unforgettable experience. After spending the whole day together in the fresh air with challenging exercises and outstanding people – I really had a feeling that we are team.
During our stay in Washington D.C participants had to present their own projects in U. S. State Department of State. And as a conclusion of the Study of the U.S. Institutes ‘Global Social Entrepreneurship Institute’ program we also received certificates of U. S. State Department of State.
Bezhevets Anastasiia
