Center for Social Value Creation  

About the Center

The center takes a four-pronged approach that infuses social value creation into every aspect of the student experience here at Smith.

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Experiential Learning

The flagship component of the center is experiential learning—the opportunity for students to engage in real-world field experiences, such as consulting with a nonprofit organization or traveling abroad to work on sustainable projects in developing countries. Learn more about opportunities for students.

Coursework

At Smith, social value creation is not an “adjunct” to students’ education.  Because the center is not housed within a specific department at Smith, you can find courses across all disciplines—whether core, electives or selectives—that incorporate the principles and frameworks of social value creation.  And we are working to bring more new content and new courses online each semester, at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.  Learn more about current course offerings.

Research

To date, the center has awarded seven grants for faculty developing original research topics relevant to social and environmental impact.  In addition to these, a number of faculty have published recent research on topics including nonprofit management, employee health, green innovation and more.  Learn more about current research.

Career Development

More and more students and alumni are looking to work for employers that share their values, and the center works closely with Smith’s Office of Career Services to connect them to meaningful opportunities.  Throughout the year, it hosts a number of networking events and site visits, and maintains a robust collection of resources for interested job seekers.  Learn more about career resources.

"We hope to provide an unparalleled educational experience that forges deep connections among students, policymakers, non-profits and business changemakers."

Melissa Carrier, Executive Director & Faculty

Melissa Carrier