Student-led Social Impact Initiatives

Social Impact Projects is an on-campus internship program that empowers student groups to work on innovative projects with leading global organizations.  A three-credit class runs concurrently with the projects for students to learn about social impact and develop the skills necessary to succeed in this internship (7-10 hours a week).  The story below highlights one student’s successful experience in the program. 

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Morgan Wellman

Morgan Wellman had big dreams of a future career focused on solving global problems but was unsure which path would lead her there. It wasn't until a BYU professor advised her to take the Social Impact Projects (SIP) class and internship that she understood her passion for social impact initiatives.  

During the SIP classroom time, every student was asked to join a selected project for the internship portion of the program. Morgan chose to join the internship team for The Academy for Creating Enterprise, a local non-profit focused on a mission to train entrepreneurs in third-world countries. 

“The SIP program gave me real-world experience without the fear of being thrown into it to quickly,” said” Morgan. “I received mentorship and classroom learning about social impact while applying it to actual problems.”

As the classroom work and internship ended, SIP instructor Jill Piacitelli recommended Morgan try to continue her work with the same organization as an intern. Morgan prepared additional research and recommendations to the organization’s board for an in-office internship.  

“I started my love and passion for learning more,” said Morgan. “It was super fun to dip my toes in, and it is amazing for my resume that I already have an internship in social impact.”

SIP not only looked good on Morgan’s resume, but the experience opened doors for her in other job interviews and opportunities related to social impact. For example, a year after taking SIP, Morgan was hired as an intern to manage partnerships for Echoing Green, a significant step in Morgan's future social impact. 

“IP is the class that facilitates the opportunity for students to achieve their goals,” said Organ.