Social Innovation Projects (SIP) is accepting students from all majors to join our teams. Before you apply, please ensure you meet the following requirements:
Will commit 8-10 hours a week to your team's project;
Able to add 3 credits to your BYU Fall schedule, or 1.5 credits if applying for Spring/Summer (add-codes will be sent to selected interns)
Available Tu/Th from 4:00-5:15pm for meetings & trainings (applies to Fall semester only- Spring/Summer meeting & training times are based on team members' schedules)
Each partner and project requires different skill-sets - partners have needed interns with skills ranging from financial modeling to video editing, and everything in-between! We encourage all to apply.
Who We Are
The Social Innovation Projects (SIP) on-campus internship program gives students a deeper understanding of social innovation and entrepreneurship through experiential learning in a team setting. Student teams are matched with top-tier organizations and leaders devloping innovative solutions to the world's most pressing social problems such as poverty, health care, education, and economic development.
These “on-campus internships” provide the following:
For Students:
1) Opportunities to develop professional skills while earning 3 credits
2) Experience that deepens understanding of social innovation/entrepreneurship through a hands-on approach to learning
3) A chance to connect with innovative professionals in the field.
For the Partners:
1) High-quality and valuable work on unique projects
2) A positive experience working with the rising generation aspiring to join the field of social innovation
3) Additional sources of fresh and innovative ideas, perspectives, and connections
Student Experience
During his sophomore year at BYU, Jason Harrison was facing a dilemma about his future. He could pursue traditional non-profit or development work, but it didn’t seem sustainable—too many handouts, not enough results. He could also pursue a better-paying career in business, but it lacked the social impact he was seeking. As he grappled with this decision he learned about microfinance in one of his classes. Intrigued by the idea, he began to explore BYU’s offerings in the field of social entrepreneurship.
Jason discovered SIP (formerly known as SSE) and was drawn in by the opportunity to get hands-on experience through an on-campus internship. By the following semester he was working on a project for Ashoka, one of the leaders in the field.
With the skills he acquired in SIP, Jason leveraged his experience into an off-campus internship at Ashoka’s global headquarters the following summer. There he gained a bird’s-eye view of the field and cemented his desire to pursue a career in social entrepreneurship.
“The opportunities and experiences I’ve had through [SIP] have changed the course of my life—it’s opened up a new world for me. It’s shown me how to use what I’ve learned at BYU to work for innovative and high-impact social change. We’re really lucky to have this program and so many others at the Ballard Center.”
How To Apply
The on-campus Internships start with an application process prior to each semester or term. Accepted students are placed on a team with up to four others. They are expected to work 8-10 hours a week on their project, provide quality deliverables, and attend workshops and trainings. Applications and resumes are accepted during the second block of Fall and Winter semesters. The application can be found here.
