SMITHFIELD – A new partnership between Social Enterprise Greenhouse and Bryant University will create five new internship opportunities in the "social impact" sector.
The 13-week internship program, which will start May 20, will emphasize collaboration with companies focused on societal challenges and community well-being, said Julie Owens, CEO of Social Enterprise Greenhouse.
The nonprofit hasn’t selected specific companies or ventures for the program, Owens said, but will instead work with students to tailor the opportunity to their interests.
“It’s a very individualized matching process,” Owens said. “We’re really taking into consideration what their goals and aspirations are and are connecting them with a venture that’s a great opportunity” for their focus area.
Eligible ventures could be for-profit or nonprofit organizations, Owens said.
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Julie Owens[/caption]
When determining whether a venture meets social impact guidelines, “the thing that really differentiates these businesses is that they are incorporating social good into their business model,” she noted.
“They really run the gamut across many industries,” Owens continued, including health, local food, workforce development and environmental justice.
Bryant University will fund the internships and provide participating students with a stipend, said university spokesperson Karen Greco.
Bryant stood out as a particularly relevant partner due to a curriculum that draws from United Nations sustainable development goals, Owens said. The nonprofit plans to repeat the program in future years and could expand it to other universities.
(Jacquelyn Voghel is a PBN staff writer. You may reach her at Voghel@PBN.com.)