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 2026 Global Social Impact House will occur September 12th – 18th, 2026. Applications are due March 25, 2026.
“GSIH was the highlight of my year. It was an incredible and indispensable opportunity to dissect our business model and discover how we can scale our impact. Above all, the community at GSIH is its biggest asset. Meeting and learning from so many brilliant folks in my cohort, some of whom I remain close friends with today, has been such a gift.”
“GSIH and the incredible facilitators running it understand on a very deep level that the social entrepreneurial path is full of purpose but also challenge and the need for realignment. GSIH taught me the strategic value of rest and reflection, and that our impact can be amplified through radical recharge. It was incredible to meet such a diverse global community of changemakers, that went from complete strangers to feeling like a close-knit family within hours of meeting for the first time- united by our values and hope for a better world. Besides making lifelong friends and collaborators, it was wonderful for me to intentionally step into the role of learner and observer again, to see how others approached the work of systems-change and social innovation education, and to be forever imprinted with a sense of serenity and inspiration to the soundtrack of a jungle that I often tap into as my journey continues.”
“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.”


