Global Social Impact House

The Global Social Impact House brings together 20 global social entrepreneurs, creative intrapreneurs, community alchemists, and innovators who are actively working on a social impact initiative.

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Decisions will not be made before March 1, 2025.

GSIH is a seven-day residential program that provides fellows with the tools, community support, and training they need to advance their ventures. Workshops are customized to the needs of fellows and explore advanced concepts in business models, design thinking, and leadership. The program is also designed to help fellows build meaningful, global connections while living together in an inspirational host location.

The Center for Social Impact Strategy at the University of Pennsylvania will provide full program scholarships to every fellow, which includes accommodation and food. Fellows are responsible for covering travel and visa-related expenses to and from the location.

We welcome applicants with a compelling and tested concept for social impact. The only prerequisite for admission is completing CSIS’ free online course in social impact strategy or another of CSIS’s educational programs. Join a global community of purpose-driven leaders for a journey of connection, learning, and growth.

Our 2025 Global Social Impact House will occur June 6th – 12th, 2025. Applications are due February 10, 2025.

See a recap of GSIH 2020

Created by GSIH ’20 Fellow Luke Hosty, Creative Director at Protect Blue

New Perspectives

Get daily feedback, advice and new ideas from other fellows and coaches to improve your venture.

Inspirational Location

Live at a rainforest retreat, relax in your cabana, and jump into the river for a swim. Unplug, unwind and recharge here.

Applicable Tools

Learn from experienced social impact experts and mentors who will lead workshops on human-centered design, business strategy, and leadership — tailored to meet your needs and desires.

Global Community

Develop meaningful, organic connections that last well beyond the seven days at the House.

Top Coaches

Our on-site coaches will help you design personal and professional roadmaps to chart the path for your success.

Digital Detox

Take time to intentionally disconnect with technology and reconnect with your personal purpose.

Key Details

Location: Costa Rica
Cost: $0 (not including cost of travel)

Location

Macaw Lodge is a forest eco-resort located in the San José Valley of Costa Rica, crafted from reclaimed or sustainably grown materials from their 264-acre oasis and surrounding community. The Lodge is completely off-the-grid, relying on solar power to generate electricity and heat water and was created as a model of sustainability where lovers of nature can experience both comfort and harmony with the environment. It affords amazing views of surrounding ponds, gardens, forests, and wildlife.

Additional activities available at the lodge include birding, swimming, chocolate tours, yoga, massage or simply relaxing in a hammock and enjoying nourishing farm-to-table foods in paradise.

Video

Info Sessions

Is the Global Social Impact House right for you?

View a recording of our January 2024 info session.

We covered the program goals, location, and logistics, and talk through the application process. Q & A at the end.

Team

Peter Frumkin

Faculty Director

Montana Tamny

Program Manager

Carl Sveen

Program Manager

Mandisa Thomas

Program Coordinator

Schedule

Day 1

Orientation

Arrive in a physical space that is intentionally designed to feel more like a home than a school. We intentionally select a venue in an inspiring setting to promote ideation, experimentation, and connection.

Day 2

Building Community

Listen and learn from your new community of fellows. Get to hear one another’s stories and connect on the human level.

Day 3

Storytelling

Learn a variety of techniques to communicate your ideas more effectively.

Day 4

Design Thinking

Develop a growth mindset by participating in Human Centered Design workshops. Build new ideas, generate prototypes, get feedback and improve your ideas in real time.

Day 5

Strategy

Dive into the nuts and bolts of your organization. Get feedback from your peers and coaches.

Day 6

Peer to Peer Workshops

Fellows lead discussions and workshops on topics that interest them. This is a chance for fellows to exchange their knowledge and expertise with one another.

Day 7

Closing + Departure

“GSIH gave me a huge confidence boost, and helped me acknowledge how far I’ve come. The community was second to none – the bond that was created in such a short space of time was incredible. I’m super excited for what comes next. I feel like the program gave me the opportunity to zoom out with a bunch of brilliant minds – and now I’ve got a much clearer and much more strategic path ahead.”

Linzi Hawkin
2017 Fellow, Founder—SUPKids

“Here, I found my people! GSIH is a remarkable, unparalleled gift, as it draws together an interdisciplinary cohort of folks who shape themselves around solving some of the stickiest global and local problems to play together, form solidarity (have each other’s backs and affirm each other’s visions), and to take the time to actually witness each other for the people that we are and the people that we strive to be.”

Jamilah Bradshaw, 2019
Cultural Worker & Program Associate, The California Endowment

FAQ

How much does this program cost?

It is free to participate in the program, but fellows must cover the cost of their own transportation to- and from San José, Costa Rica.

How long is the program?

GSIH is 7 days, including your arrival and departure day. Fellows must commit to attending 100% of the program in order to join.

Are there any prerequisites to apply?

The only prerequisite for GSIH is to complete the Coursera in Social Impact Strategy.

Who is eligible to apply?

This program is open to anyone who is currently working on an existing social enterprise or who is an intrapreneur in a larger organization. Click here to nominate somebody for GSIH.

Do I have to have a social enterprise to apply?

You must be currently working on a project, organization, enterprise, or other existing operation that seeks to create positive social impact. Priority is given to applicants with an existing venture.

What stage does my venture need to be in, to be considered?

We accept ventures at various stages. Whatever stage you’re in — early design, piloting or scaling — we’ll help you create a more viable, feasible and desirable organization that drives higher levels of impact.

Questions?

Email Us!

Please include “GSIH” in the subject line.

Applications coming soon for 2025.