Penn Oxford Social Impact Lab

The Penn Oxford Social Impact Lab will bring together 20 global social entrepreneurs, creative intrapreneurs, community alchemists, and innovators who are actively working on a social impact initiative. Our selection committee chose 20 fellows based on his or her unique social impact idea, a proven track record of making a positive difference in his or her community, and an authentic passion for becoming part of a global community of changemakers.

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Penn Oxford Social Impact Lab is a six-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.

Fellows are responsible for a $500 registration fee and any travel and visa-related expenses to and from the location. The Center for Social Impact Strategy at the University of Pennsylvania will cover accommodations, food, local transportation, and any programmatic costs.

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 Penn Oxford Social Impact Lab will occur November 17th – 22nd, 2025.

Is the Penn Oxford Social Impact Lab right for you?

Watch a recording of our Global Social Impact House info session here.

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

New Perspectives

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

Inspirational Location

Live at a beautiful manor, relax around the grounds, and take a hike through the countryside. 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 six 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: Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Cost: $500 (not including cost of travel)

Location

Spicer Manor is a beautifully restored farmhouse located in the countryside with breathtaking views across Yorkshire. Following a ten-year restoration period, Spicer Manor features many parts of the original farmhouse. The Manor is family-owned and relies on local craftspeople and businesses.

Team

Peter Frumkin

Faculty Director

Montana Tamny

Program Manager

Schedule

Day 1

Orientation + Building Community

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

Day 2

Storytelling

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

Day 3

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 4

Strategy

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

Day 5

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 6

Closing + Departure

See a recap of GSIH 2020

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

“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?

There is a $500 registration fee plus the cost of your own transportation to- and from Manchester, United Kingdom.

How long is the program?

Penn Oxford Social Impact Lab is 6 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 Penn Oxford Social Impact Lab 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 “Penn Oxford Social Impact Lab” in the subject line.