Social Entrepreneurship
Launched in 2021, Hausner’s pioneering Entrepreneurship and Social Impact Program empowers Upper School students to tackle real-world challenges with innovation rooted in Jewish values.
Why Social Entrepreneurship?
From Lower School to Upper School, Hausner students are guided by the value of tikkun olam—repairing the world. Our youngest learners help animals in need, build libraries for underserved communities, and deliver care packages to cancer patients. This foundation of social responsibility culminates in our Upper School's focus on creating sustainable, impactful change through the Entrepreneurship and Social Impact Program.
Program Overview
Inspired by our students’ passion for tikkun olam and our tradition of hands-on learning, this program applies Silicon Valley’s startup mindset to societal issues. Students engage in critical thinking and problem-solving rooted in Jewish ethics, preparing them for high school and beyond.
8th Grade Capstone Project
In the Entrepreneurship for Social Action class, 8th graders identify a need and develop solutions, culminating in a "demo day" where they pitch ideas to venture capitalists. This hands-on experience integrates:
- Research and innovation focused on issues like poverty, climate change, and clean energy.
- Teamwork and leadership as students collaborate on projects.
- Business fundamentals through developing and testing their ideas.
- Presentation skills refined during final pitches.
Key Learning Outcomes
Students gain:
- Real-world problem-solving experience by designing social enterprises.
- Leadership and collaboration skills.
- Deep research into pressing societal issues.
- Business acumen as they develop and present their projects.
- Jewish values applied through the entrepreneurial process.
Want to get to know us better?
The Entrepreneurship and Social Impact Program at Hausner is funded by a generous grant from the The Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund in collaboration with the Jim Joseph Foundation, as part of the Day School Growth Initiative Program. With support from the Federation, Jewish Day schools in our region have the opportunity to imagine and implement ways to enhance school growth, and to innovate and collaborate with one another. GHJDS is proud to participate in this program and to bring this pilot program to our upper school students.
