Opportunities in Social Entrepreneurship – From History to Practice?

Migrant Farmworkers in North Carolina

Migrant Farmworkers in North Carolina. Photo by Laura Valencia ‘12, Social Entrepreneurship Program Associate, who spent the summer of 2009 working for Toxic Free in North Carolina.

In his Theses on Feurbach (written in 1845), Karl Marx wrote that “The philosophers have only interpreted the world in various ways; the point is to change it.” He raised profound questions: What is the connection between studying the world and social action? What should it be? Of course, for Marx, the study of history, philosophy and economics led directly to political, revolutionary action. But how do most of us connect the study of history with our roles in the world?

You’ll find one opportunity to explore the connection in the College’s Social Entrepreneurship program, which is now accepting applications for the spring and the summer. The SE Program sends students into the local community and out into the world to work for positive social change. It is the kind of program that can lead to wonderful experiences for students and do some serious good. It is also the kind of program that can bridge the gap between the study of history and social action.

If you think you might be interested, check out the Social Entrepreneurship blog. They are taking applications until October 11 for the program, which includes courses paired with local internships and international field experience.