Schwartz Family Penn Social Impact House
Great Barrington, MA - August 12-25 2013
The Setting
Live and work in the Berkshires. This year's institute was situated in a breathtaking, contemporary 15,000 square ft. estate built on 120 acres of forest just 10 minutes from downtown Great Barrington, MA - voted America’s #1 small town by the Smithsonian. Equipped with a pool, hot tub, organic garden, and yoga studio, this Frank Lloyd Wright-meets-Zen garden home provided an inspirational setting ideal for concentration, creativity, and collaboration. This house was perfect for working hard and enjoying all that the Berkshires have to offer: hiking and biking trails, music festivals, and locally owned farms!
Diversity of Fellows
Experienced Community
This cohort of fellows came from a diverse range of topics and experience levels from across the University of Pennsylvania.
Experience
9 Undergraduate Students
8 Graduate Students
5 Alumni
Focus Area
10 Education
2 Healthcare
3 Architecture
2 Technology
3 Civic Engagement
Mentors came from across the social entrepreneurship space participated in this year's institute. Notable participants include Bill Drayton, Founder and CEO of Ashoka and David Bornstein, journalist for the New York Times.
“Being part of such a driven and loving community was a real privilege. Rarely are those two qualities embodied so profoundly at the same time. It changed my life to know that there are those out there with similar attitudes, perspectives, and beliefs as me about how the world operates best. Creating community with such uniquely high-caliber individuals is activating, and I hope to preserve these relationships for life.”
“The most powerful aspect of the Institute was the extent of the relationships that we built as a result of our time together. The support I received from everyone—mentors, fellows, and staff—was and continues to be a driving force in my venture.”
Dynamic Learning
A Culture That Celebrates
“The institute has given me the ability to start a venture. Knowing what to expect, the steps that need to be taken, and meeting people that can help have given me the tools for me to turn my dream into reality.”
“Practice makes perfect — and PSIH made it possible and less intimidating to fail fast, fail often, and get up again. This is most necessary when pitching to prospects!”
