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Clinton Global Initiative University Social Impact Curriculum

At CGI U, we believe deeply in the power of a diverse community of changemakers to support one another, share experiences, and amplify impact. Each year, hundreds of young leaders participate from every corner of the world, from across sectors and cultures, to foster fresh thinking and dynamic collaboration, forge lifelong friendships, and drive forward groundbreaking ideas to solve the most pressing global challenges.

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At CGI U, we believe deeply in the power of a diverse community of changemakers to support one another, share experiences, and amplify impact. Each year, hundreds of young leaders participate from every corner of the world, from across sectors and cultures, to foster fresh thinking and dynamic collaboration, forge lifelong friendships, and drive forward groundbreaking ideas to solve the most pressing global challenges.

Our Commitment to Action (CTA) Social Impact Curriculum is designed to help students transform those ideas into action. Together, we will ask the question, what does it mean to be a commitment-maker? How can students create an innovative model to tackle a pressing issue in their community? How can we collectively work together to contribute to a future that is more resilient, more sustainable, and more equitable for all? How can this project and program inform your social entrepreneurship journey?

Throughout the CGI U Social Impact curricular journey, we will challenge students to answer each one of these questions, and more. Through their efforts, students will reflect on their own motivations for leadership and develop the tools and skills needed to lead with purpose and to make a positive social impact well beyond the CGI U program.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Building on the successful model of the clinton global initiative, president bill clinton launched cgi u in 2007 to engage the next generation of leaders on college campuses around the world. this curriculum is a starting point for students to develop and deepen their commitment to social impact. over the course of the cgi u social impact curriculum, students will participate in three (3) modules and can expect to:
  • 1. ideate, design, implement and evaluate a social impact project, leveraging the expertise and thought leadership of cgi u and the clinton foundation.
  • 2. hone the mindset, skills and confidence to effectively articulate and amplify a commitment to action and reflect deeply on the complexities of the communities they intend to serve.
  • 3. expand their worldview, learn to work across divides, and collaborate with people from different cultural, geographical, professional, and economic backgrounds.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Helps students create innovative models to tackle pressing issues in their communities, fostering a sense of purpose and direction in their social entrepreneurship journey
Leverages the expertise and thought leadership of CGI U and the Clinton Foundation, which have a long history of working on global issues and social impact projects
Challenges students to reflect on their motivations for leadership, which can help them develop a stronger sense of purpose and direction in their careers
Designed to help students transform their ideas into action, which is a crucial step in making a real-world impact and contributing to positive change
Requires students to collaborate with people from different cultural, geographical, professional, and economic backgrounds, which may present logistical challenges for some learners

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Clinton Global Initiative University Social Impact Curriculum with these activities:
Review Social Entrepreneurship Models
Familiarize yourself with different social entrepreneurship models to better inform your Commitment to Action design.
Browse courses on Social Entrepreneurship
Show steps
  • Research various social enterprise structures.
  • Identify models that align with your project's goals.
  • Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each model.
Review 'Lean Impact'
Apply lean startup principles to your social impact project to iterate quickly and maximize your impact.
View Lean Impact: How to Innovate for Radically... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book and identify key takeaways.
  • Apply the lean impact framework to your project.
  • Develop a plan for testing your assumptions and iterating on your solution.
Review 'The Power of Moments'
Learn how to design impactful moments within your social impact project to maximize its effectiveness and memorability.
View The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
  • Identify opportunities to apply these concepts to your project.
  • Brainstorm ways to create meaningful moments for beneficiaries.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Develop a Logic Model for Your Commitment
Create a logic model to map out the inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impact of your Commitment to Action.
Show steps
  • Define the problem your project addresses.
  • Identify the resources needed for your project.
  • Outline the activities you will undertake.
  • Determine the short-term and long-term outcomes.
Craft an Elevator Pitch for Your Commitment
Develop a concise and compelling elevator pitch to effectively communicate your Commitment to Action to potential partners and stakeholders.
Show steps
  • Identify the key elements of your project.
  • Write a brief summary of your project's goals.
  • Practice delivering your pitch to others.
Attend a Social Impact Conference
Connect with other social entrepreneurs and learn about innovative approaches to addressing global challenges.
Show steps
  • Research social impact conferences in your area.
  • Register for a conference that aligns with your interests.
  • Attend sessions and network with other attendees.
Mentor a Fellow Student
Share your knowledge and experience with a fellow student to reinforce your own understanding of social impact principles.
Show steps
  • Offer guidance on project design and implementation.
  • Provide feedback on their Commitment to Action.
  • Share resources and best practices.

Career center

Learners who complete Clinton Global Initiative University Social Impact Curriculum will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Social Entrepreneur
A social entrepreneur identifies social problems and uses entrepreneurial principles to organize, create, and manage a venture to achieve desired social change. This course, focused on fostering innovative solutions to global challenges, helps build a foundation for a career as a social entrepreneur. The curriculum's emphasis on transforming ideas into action and designing impactful projects directly aligns with the work of a social entrepreneur, who must be adept at project implementation. Further, the course's focus on understanding the complexities of communities, and collaborative approaches will be directly applicable for leading social ventures. These skills will set you up for success in a career as a social entrepreneur.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Entrepreneur
Nonprofit Program Manager
A nonprofit program manager oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs designed to address specific community needs. This course provides excellent preparation for this role through its focus on creating social impact projects. The curriculum guides learners through ideation, design, implementation, and evaluation, mirroring the responsibilities of a nonprofit program manager. The modules on articulating a Commitment to Action and reflecting deeply on the communities served are particularly relevant. The emphasis on collaboration is also crucial for success as a nonprofit program manager, helping you to work across different groups, and thus leading to deeper engagement with stakeholders. This course will help you become a successful nonprofit program manager.
See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Program Manager
Social Innovation Consultant
A social innovation consultant advises organizations on how to develop and implement innovative solutions to social problems. This course helps build an ideal skill set for aspiring social innovation consultants. The course focuses on transforming ideas into action and developing innovative models to tackle pressing issues, which is directly relevant to the work of a social innovation consultant. This course will help one gain experience articulating and amplifying a Commitment to Action, ensuring that the initiatives are not only innovative but are also effectively put into action. The emphasis on collaboration, and working across divides enables one to take on a career as a social innovation consultant.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Innovation Consultant
Education Program Coordinator
An education program coordinator plans and manages educational programs and initiatives. This course is especially useful as it encourages the creation of innovative programs designed to tackle pressing community needs. The skills developed, such as the ability to design, implement, and evaluate projects, are directly applicable to the work of an education program coordinator. Further, the collaborative mindset fostered by the course can help engage diverse communities. This course is an excellent option for anyone interested in becoming a education program coordinator.
See salaries and explore the career path for Education Program Coordinator
Community Organizer
Community organizers work to empower communities by building relationships, facilitating collective action, and advocating for change. This course may be especially helpful for those considering a career as a community organizer due to its focus on developing social impact projects, and the emphasis on engaging with communities. The curriculum's focus on designing and implementing projects to address pressing issues is particularly relevant for organizing collective action. Furthermore, the course's goal of fostering collaboration across different backgrounds is invaluable for community organizers who frequently work with varied populations. By undertaking this course, you will be better prepared for a career as a community organizer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer
International Development Specialist
An international development specialist works on projects aimed at improving the social and economic conditions in developing countries. This course is a good option for people wanting to become international development specialists. The focus on developing and implementing social impact projects aligns well with the work of an international development specialist. The emphasis on understanding complex communities and working across different backgrounds is valuable when navigating international work. The course will be impactful for anyone considering a career as an international development specialist.
See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Specialist
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
A corporate social responsibility manager develops and implements a company's social and environmental impact initiatives. The course is particularly well aligned with this career role. The emphasis on creating social impact projects can directly help with identifying innovative ways for a company to contribute to social well-being. The focus on articulating and amplifying a commitment to action, and working within varied communities mirrors the work of a corporate social responsibility manager. The skills gained, including an ability to work with diverse groups, are essential for this role. This course is a good option for those who wish to become corporate social responsibility managers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Public Health Advocate
Public health advocates work to improve health outcomes by advocating for policies and initiatives that address social determinants of health. This course that engages with the need to create social change projects that address pressing issues is a good option for those considering a career as a public health advocate. The course, by understanding complexities through a social impact project, helps you build a foundation in recognizing and addressing complex issues relevant in public health. The emphasis on working with different people and backgrounds is very helpful in public health. This course's practical focus will be a meaningful experience for an aspiring public health advocate.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Advocate
Sustainability Consultant
A sustainability consultant advises organizations on developing strategies that minimize their environmental impact and promote sustainable practices. The course’s emphasis on working across communities and finding solutions for pressing issues makes it an excellent preparatory step for a career as a sustainability consultant. The focus on developing social impact projects helps build a foundation for identifying sustainability projects. The collaborative work and focus on diverse communities, as promoted by this course, is directly relevant for those making a career as a sustainability consultant. This course will be especially useful for a sustainability consultant.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant
Impact Investment Analyst
An impact investment analyst assesses the social and environmental impact of investments, helping to direct capital towards ventures that deliver positive outcomes alongside financial returns. This course may be of use to anyone who is keen to pursue a career as an impact investment analyst. The course's focus on creating social impact projects and evaluating their results will help build a foundation for understanding the type of work that is seen by an impact investment analyst. The curriculum's design will help one gain a deeper understanding of the needs and the challenges of different communities, which is a critical part of impact investing. Taking this course may increase your effectiveness as an impact investment analyst.
See salaries and explore the career path for Impact Investment Analyst
Philanthropy Program Officer
A philanthropy program officer manages grantmaking processes and supports the design and implementation of philanthropic strategies. This course may be useful for those interested in becoming philanthropy program officers by focusing on developing and implementing social impact projects. The curriculum teaches how to effectively articulate a Commitment to Action, which is relevant to selecting and supporting grantees. The emphasis on community awareness will also help in identifying potential projects and organizations to support. The collaborative environment offered by this course makes it particularly helpful for philanthropy program officers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Philanthropy Program Officer
Fundraising Coordinator
A fundraising coordinator develops and implements fundraising strategies to support nonprofit organizations. This course may be useful for aspiring fundraising coordinators. The course's emphasis on articulating a Commitment to Action helps build a foundation for developing compelling fundraising campaigns. The course’s work will allow one to reflect on community needs, which is a critical aspect of fundraising. The skills gained in collaboration are important for working with stakeholders involved in fundraising. This course may help you become a successful fundraising coordinator.
See salaries and explore the career path for Fundraising Coordinator
Policy Analyst
A policy analyst researches and analyzes current policy issues to develop recommendations for government or nonprofit organizations. This course may be of use for a career as a policy analyst as it provides an approach to social impact work. The course’s focus on ideating, designing, implementing and evaluating a social impact project can help build a foundation for understanding policy issues. Engaging with diverse communities as emphasized by this course helps one gain a broader perspective when conducting policy research. The practical experiences that this course offers helps one as a policy analyst.
See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst
Volunteer Coordinator
A volunteer coordinator recruits, trains, and manages volunteers for an organization. This course may be useful for a volunteer coordinator by building a foundation in project design and implementation, working across diverse backgrounds, and understanding complex communities. The skills developed in this course can be used to better engage volunteers and improve their impact. The course’s collaborative focus is also essential for managing volunteer teams. This course may be useful for any volunteer coordinator.
See salaries and explore the career path for Volunteer Coordinator
Research Associate
A research associate helps design and conduct studies, analyze data, and prepare reports in various fields. While this course does not directly delve into academic research, those interested in social impact research may find this course to be useful. The course emphasizes designing social impact projects and evaluating the results, which is beneficial for a variety of types of research. The course's focus on understanding communities and working with different people is also essential for research that has a field focus. This course may be useful for a research associate.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research Associate

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Clinton Global Initiative University Social Impact Curriculum.
Cover image
Lean Impact
Save
Adapts lean startup principles to the social sector. It provides a framework for testing assumptions, iterating on solutions, and scaling impact effectively. Reading this book will help students avoid common pitfalls in social entrepreneurship and maximize the effectiveness of their Commitments to Action. This book is commonly used by social entrepreneurs to help guide their work.
Lean Impact: How to Innovate for Radically Greater...
Hardcover
$$
Lean Impact: How to Innovate for Radically Greater...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Power of Moments
Save
Explores how to create impactful and memorable experiences. It provides valuable insights into designing social impact projects that resonate deeply with beneficiaries. Understanding the principles outlined in this book can help students craft Commitments to Action that are not only effective but also emotionally engaging. This book is useful for understanding how to create a lasting impact.
The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have...
Hardcover
$$
Decisive, Power Of Moments, Making Numbers Count...
Paperback
$$$
關鍵時刻：創造人生1% 的完美瞬間，取代 99% 的平淡時刻: The Power of...
Kindle Edition
$

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Effort
2 to 4 hours per week for 12 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
The Clinton Global Initiative University
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Helps students create innovative models to tackle pressing issues in their communities, fostering a sense of purpose and direction in their social entrepreneurship journey
Leverages the expertise and thought leadership of CGI U and the Clinton Foundation, which have a long history of working on global issues and social impact projects
Challenges students to reflect on their motivations for leadership, which can help them develop a stronger sense of purpose and direction in their careers
Designed to help students transform their ideas into action, which is a crucial step in making a real-world impact and contributing to positive change
Requires students to collaborate with people from different cultural, geographical, professional, and economic backgrounds, which may present logistical challenges for some learners
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