Andre Hebert is a student in our Executive program in Social Impact Strategy. Currently, he is the Managing Director of Partnerships at Chicago Scholars. With over a decade of experience in Higher Education, Andre is passionate about college access and systems change work. Check out his spotlight to learn more about his impact area and experience in the program. Andre previously worked in various student affairs departments before joining Chicago Scholars. Two years ago, he made the transition to a non-profit organization to further develop his skills and apply his expertise in higher education to redefine Chicago Scholars’ approach to partnerships between colleges/universities and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs).
Why the Executive Program in Social Impact Strategy?
I decided to enroll in this Executive Program for a few reasons. I was at a crossroads in my professional journey and was looking at ways I could continue learning while jumping into a new sector of nonprofit. This program came highly recommended and specialized in Social Impact Strategy, which is exactly what I set out to do in my new role. Lastly, this curriculum and community I kept hearing about was noteworthy.
Andre discusses his current work in the impact space
My social impact work is currently about establishing and deepening strategic partnerships that remove barriers to Higher Education for first-generation and low-income students. In my role, I work with colleges/universities and corporations that share similar values related to the future of our Scholars. These organizations partner with us to grow their brand and help move the needle on our core work, which is economic mobility, a sense of belonging, and leadership development. Examples of our partnerships range from direct-admit strategies for college admissions, scholarship, internship, and job opportunities, learning and development training for companies, sponsorships, and marketing and communications. I’m passionate about this work because I am a first-generation college graduate and know the power of partnership. I am so proud to work for an organization that has a vision of a better tomorrow for our city and community when we elevate our talented youth. Seeing our students excited about going to college and aiming to do better for their families is what keeps me coming to work every day.
Advice for future applicants
My advice would be APPLY! Don’t think about it – just apply. This program is extremely thoughtful and can welcome folks from many disciplines with various levels of experience. Once you’re in, pace yourself. Set up a system that works for you in terms of when you’ll read the readings, watch the lectures, and complete the discussion posts/assignments. Lastly, try not to hold too many expectations of what you’ll get out of this program. Of course, there are some objectives and outcomes, but coming in with an open mind and heart can really welcome some diverse pathways and journeys. The people you’ll meet and the work you’ll get accomplished will surprise you in the best way.
How do you envision this program impacting your career?
From day one, this program started impacting my career. I was able to put words to concepts that I had never thought of before. After learning more about social impact and design thinking I was able to bring activities and tools back to my job to integrate. After showcasing my work in a different way (and completing these courses), my organization promoted me to take on all of the organization’s partnership strategies. This new role will allow me to implement a large-scale partnership philosophy that continues to focus on social impact. Because of this program. I am excited to think about what I can do, either within higher education or the nonprofit world.
Thank you, Andre! Follow our page to hear from more brilliant Changemakers. Looking to learn more about our Executive Program in Social Impact Strategy(SIS)? Sign up for our information sessions or watch previous recordings from last year.
SIS graduates are eligible to apply to the Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership (NPL) in an accelerated, on-campus, or online format. The NPL program is a ten-credit master’s program; SIS Alumni must complete six credits to graduate.
Applications for the 2025 Executive Program in Social Impact Strategy are now live! Follow our page for more important information.