Social Entrepreneurship & Civic Engagement

Byrnes Scholars Program in Social Entrepreneurship & Civic Engagement

Through the new Byrnes Scholar Program, students will develop ideas to solve social problems, learn from nonprofits and organizations working on related issues, and gain hands-on knowledge through internships and start-up experiences.

The Byrnes Scholars Program in Social Entrepreneurship & Civic Engagement enables students to pursue a passion for finding creative solutions that address social issues with structure, rigor, and depth throughout their high school career. With guidance from an advisor, Byrnes Scholars pursue an individualized program that connects course work with significant experiences outside the walls of the school.

In the fall of his sophomore year, an interested student submits an application and is interviewed, and, if selected as a Byrnes Scholar candidate, pursues an individualized program for two years beginning the summer after sophomore year. The Byrnes Scholars program is designed to give additional context and substance to University School curricular requirements.

The Byrnes Scholars Program challenges students to explore social issues, research solutions, and learn from civic organizations as students develop an independent social entrepreneurship or community engagement project. Through the program, students develop leadership and management skills, while deepening their understanding of our most pressing social problems. This program allows students to deepen their learning through coursework, extracurricular activities, and a summer internship experience. It culminates with scholars leading an initiative that’s focused on an area of personal interest.