Program Overview
The Impact Scholars Institute (ISI) is an immersive program aimed at nurturing leadership skills and fostering innovation, design thinking, and business strategy. Its primary objective is to empower aspiring leaders by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to navigate the evolving landscape of innovation.
Operating on a selective, application-based system, the program accommodates up to 12 participants each academic year, running from the Autumn Quarter to the end of the Spring Quarter. The curriculum is grounded in the Center for Leadership and Involvement's Leadership Development Model, focusing on three core elements: self-awareness and personal skill development, collaboration, and the ability to bring about meaningful change. These components are nurtured within the innovative academic environment of the University of Chicago.
The program enhances participants' understanding and practical application of design thinking, project innovation, and business foundations through case studies and experiential learning. Participants engage in real-world projects, honing their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
After assessing each participant's leadership style and mission, the program staff creates teams based on applications, assessments, and interests. Each team identifies a campus issue to address, develops a project, and pitches it for seed funding of up to $1000. Teams receive guidance from campus offices and community mentors to bring their projects to life.
Program Outcomes
Completion of ISI will yield the following:
- Each team is eligible to receive up to $1000 in seed funding for their Innovation Project
- Each participant will receive the following:
- 1 Recommendation Letter
- LinkedIn Certification
- UChicago LEADS Leadership Excellence Lapel Pin
Participant Expectations
To ensure a productive and fulfilling experience, participants are expected to adhere to the following guidelines:
- Attendance: Attend all scheduled sessions. More than two unexcused absences within a quarter may result in removal from the program.
- Check-ins: Attend at least one 30-minute one-on-one meeting with the program coordinator each month to discuss your progress and ensure the program is meeting your expectations and needs.
- Timely Completion of Assignments: Complete all tasks and assignments on time each week.
- Active Participation: Engage actively and intentionally in all program activities. The effort and enthusiasm you put into the program will directly influence the value and outcomes you receive. By fully committing, you can gain significant benefits and insights from the experience.
- Time Commitment: Plan for a two-hour time commitment per week:
- Fall and Winter Quarters: Sessions are held on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- Spring Quarter: Sessions shift to two one-hour meetings per week, held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, to maintain momentum as participants begin building out their projects post-funding.
2024-2025 Impact Scholars Institute Session Dates
2024-2025 Application Timeline
- Application Opens: August 26, 2024
- Application Deadline: October 10, 2024
- Interviews: October 10, 2024 - October 18, 2024
- Application Results: October 21, 2024
- Program Begins: October 30, 2024
How to Apply
Complete the application form: Applications for the 2024-2025 cohort are now open: https://forms.gle/R85hSQSMpdj1wwdK8
Applications are due October 6, 2024 at 11:59pm.
Items needed for application:
- Resume
- Optional supplemental materials upload outlining any additional information you would like the review committee to know - do not exceed 1 page in length
Please combine all documents for upload into one PDF before submitting
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the application process or program requirements, contact Heather Duval at hduval@uchicago.edu.
Serve as a Mentor
Join us as a mentor in the Impact Scholars Institute (ISI), a transformative program shaping future leaders. Guide a maximum of 12 participants through a year-long journey focused on project innovation, design thinking, and business strategy.
As a mentor, you'll help participants grasp real-world challenges through case studies and hands-on learning. Your guidance will be instrumental as teams identify campus issues and create impactful projects. These projects will be pitched for seed funding, up to $1000, giving participants the chance to bring their ideas to life and make a tangible difference on campus.
By sharing your expertise, you'll shape aspiring leaders' growth and contribute to meaningful change within the University of Chicago community.
Mentor Expectations:
- Be a Supportive Role Model: Embody leadership and positivity, serving as a role model for participants.
- Demonstrating professionalism, responsibility, and a willingness to help.
- Serve as an Engagement Facilitator: Encourage active participation and interaction within the cohort.
- Initiating discussions, activities, and connections to foster a sense of community.
- Assist in Resource Navigation: Assist participants in accessing program materials, resources, and information.
- Being familiar with program content and helping participants find what they need.
- Provide Support to Individual Participants: Offer guidance and mentorship tailored to participants' individual needs.
- Addressing their questions, challenges, and goals through one-on-one interactions.
- Contribute Feedback: Share insights and suggestions to improve the program's effectiveness.
- Providing constructive feedback to enhance the cohort experience for all participants.
If you are interested in serving as a Mentor for ISI please fill out the interest form.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Heather Duval at hduval@uchicago.edu.
Past Projects
As part of the inaugural cohort of the Impact Scholars Institute, students developed and launched three innovative projects that enriched the University of Chicago community. These initiatives reflect the cohort's commitment to creating lasting, positive impacts on campus:
Campus Pulse Podcast
Campus Pulse is a student-driven podcast that captures the diverse and vibrant experiences of UChicago students. It provides a platform for students to share their unique journeys, offer valuable advice, and highlight the numerous resources available on campus. The podcast fosters connection and insight, helping students navigate and thrive in university life.
Saturday Night Bites
Saturday Night Bites reimagines Saturday evenings by offering high-quality meals from local vendors at a time when dining halls provide smaller portions. The project also features live performances by student musicians, creating a vibrant space for relaxation, community, and great food. It launched in the Fall quarter and quickly became a favorite weekend destination for students.
Wafflin'
Wafflin' is a language exchange service that connects students eager to enhance their language skills through practice and cultural exchange. By partnering with student-run coffee shops, Wafflin' provides participants with exclusive discounts, encouraging both language learning and support for local businesses. This mutually beneficial initiative boosts campus engagement while helping students achieve their language goals.
These projects, developed by the Impact Scholars Institute's inaugural cohort, continue to serve the UChicago community and exemplify the innovative spirit and dedication to social impact that the Institute fosters.