Social Entrepreneurship

Inspired by our upper-school-aged students’ passion for tikkun olam and our history of innovation in hands-on, project-based learning, Hausner is proud to pilot our pioneering Entrepreneurship and Social Impact Program in February.

Our first-of-its-kind Entrepreneurship and Social Impact Program continues Hausner’s long history of educational innovation by applying Silicon Valley’s start-up spirit to society’s most pressing challenges, combining hands-on problem solving and critical thinking, deeply rooted in Jewish ethics, texts, and the entrepreneurial nature of our history.

This new program, initially piloted with 6th graders, will integrate with our successful 7th grade Avodah L’Olam (work for the world) philanthropy program and 8th grade Capstone passion projects, creating a uniquely powerful Community Responsibility arc through the upper school years.

Why social entrepreneurship? Hausner’s Community Responsibility Mission

From TK and Kindergarten all the way through 8th grade, Hausner students are encouraged and challenged to take part in tikkun olam, repairing the world. From first graders focused on helping animals in need, second graders raising money and collecting books to build libraries in Africa, and fourth graders assembling and delivering care packages to cancer patients, culminating in our upper school Community Responsibility arc, Hausner’s project-based learning combines academic skill-building with Jewish values to inspire our students to create positive change in their local and worldwide communities.

Grades 5-8 are particularly critical developmental years, when students shape their individual identities and develop the values, confidence, knowledge, and skills that will carry them successfully through high school and beyond. 

Pictures from the program kickoff event: a two-day Startup Experience workshop

Picture from the two-day Startup Experience Workshop
Social Entrepreneurship Program
Social Entrepreneurship Program
Social Entrepreneurship Program
Social Entrepreneurship Program
Social Entrepreneurship Program
Social Entrepreneurship Program
Social Entrepreneurship Program

What’s next?

  • Whatever grade your student is in, please plan to join us in May to see our students’ social entrepreneurship work come to life during Demo Day! More info coming soon.
  • If you have questions about this program or any part of Hausner’s 5th-8th grade program, please email Jody Passanisi, Director of Upper School.

 

 


We are grateful to the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund for their grant enabling the design and implementation of this program.

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