Penn-Columbia Social Impact House

Residential Programs

Join a community of leaders who are not just talking about the change they want to see—they are building it. The Penn-Columbia Social Impact House brings together 22 social entrepreneurs, creative entrepreneurs, community alchemists and innovators who are actively working on a social impact initiative in their organizations, industries and communities.

The Penn-Columbia Social Impact House is a week-long immersive program at a 600-acre estate in Central Vermont where participants gain the resources, training and community support they need to advance their social impact leadership.

Alumni from any school or degree at the University of Pennsylvania or Columbia University are welcome to apply. PCSIH is a highly selective, fast-growing network of remarkable alumni members of Columbia and Penn working in social impact across diverse sectors.

This program is currently on hiatus. This Impact House ran from 2013–2017.

Out of the Ordinary

Live in a beautiful, remote property surrounded by nature away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Intentional Community

Join a diverse group of faculty, coaches and inspirational teams who will provide constructive feedback and new ideas to your venture.

 

Personal Coaching

Get the space and support you need to reflect, set intentions, and actively work toward your personal and professional goals.

Digital Detox

Turn off your cellphones and set up your out-of-office message. This time is designed for changemakers to pause and take care of themselves and each other.

New Tools

Learn new frameworks for design, communication, business, and leadership that you can apply directly to your venture or organization.

Collaboration

Walk away with opportunities for group collaboration. United by a common interest and shared experience, Impact House participants become a community of supporters and potential partners.

Location

The Lodge at Galusha Hill Farm sits on a 600-acre sanctuary in central Vermont, and offers the ultimate in privacy; its majestic acreage surrounded by 1,000 acres of protected conservation land. The main floor features a post and beam great room with a central stone thermal fireplace, crafted by local artisans using handpicked stones from the property, and an adjoining conference room and library, dining room, and commercial style kitchen. A large deck and patio overlook the organic gardens and farm pastures dotted with sheep and horses, and in the distance, breathtaking panoramic views of the central Vermont hills.

Teaching Team

Peter Frumkin
Faculty Director
Kaveh Sadeghian
Instructor
Anna Dausman
Instructor

Schedule

Day 1
Arrival

Fellows arrive at Galusha Hill Farm Lodge, get situated, and introduce themselves. We kick off with happy hour, a delicious home cooked dinner, and a welcome bonfire.

Day 2
Story of You + Us

Tell your story — who you are and why you are here — and learn the stories of your cohort. Take a tour of the organic seed farm.

Day 3
Leading with Creativity

Learn the fundamentals of human-centered design through hands-on instruction, and workshop your venture description with peers.

Day 4
Design for Impact

Deepen your practice of human-centered design through live prototyping and iteration. Learn from peer expertise in nightly Farm Shares.

Day 5
Make it Happen

Reflect on the origin, value, and purpose of community. Take the afternoon to rest, explore the property, and integrate learnings from the week so far.

Day 6
Tackling Challenges

Deepen relationships with other fellows as you discuss and co-work on organizational challenges.

Day 7
Visioning + Integration

Take a step back to imagine what the next 1-3 years could look like. Design an action plan, and find accountability in your cohort. Enjoy an amazing closing dinner.

Day 8
Departure

Gather one final time with your cohort. Depart from Galusha.

FAQ

Who is this program for?

This program is for any alumna/us of Penn or Columbia with a social impact venture.

What's the cost of the program?

Program costs vary from year to year but we offer some financial aid on request.

How big is the program?

We select cohorts of 20-25 people, all of whom live, work, and rest in the same luxurious farm lodge.