``The transfer of knowledge from board member to student is empowering.``
The interprofessional students’ experience and interests are matched with a Board Member and agency executive staff on a special project to help forward the mission of the organization. The project offers the NPOs access to latest industry knowledge and resources while offering the students an opportunity to understand how NPO Boards function, civic engagement and networking with community leaders.
The Beginning
Collaborating for Success
Real-world experiences for undergraduate, but especially graduate, students are extremely beneficial for starting their careers post – graduation. This will help SDSU graduate students gain a new perspective and ideas on key organizational issues.
What Changed
SPI has been administering the Board Fellows Program since 2017. SPI recruits, matches and supervises the interprofessional teams and progress on the NPO projects through bi-monthly meetings with the students and separately with the NPOs. Since 2019, SPI has organized an annual combined “educational” event to highlight each project as well as relevant issues for NPOs e.g., DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion), market trends and innovation approaches. SPI piloted the first Cohort in 2017 and currently administers Cohort #4 for Academic Year 20/21.
In The End
- SPI was awarded the SDSU Provost’s Innovation Award in 2018 for the Board Fellows Program.
- Each Cohort has added new NPOs including large, midsize and grassroot organizations
In Cohorts 3 and 4, graduate students from the USD Kroc School of Peace and Justice have participated in the interprofessional teams. - Both students and NPO staff express strong support and value for the program in their evaluations
- More than 80% of NPOs have participated in at least two Cohorts and two NPOs have been in all four Cohorts.
Board Fellows Program 2021-2022
If you are interested in being a part of this year’s the Board Fellows Program, please see the documents below:
For more information about SDSU Board Fellows, contact Steve Hornberger via email: shornberger@sdsu.edu
Social Policy Institute
Leadership
SPI's Executive Leadership brings subject matter expertise in their respective fields as well as a combined track record for innovation and quality.
Steve Hornberger
Steve Hornberger is the Co-Director of the Social Policy Institute (SPI) since 2014 administering a number of statewide contracts.
Lori Clarke
As Co-Director, Lori brings innovation and excellence to design/development and facilitation of insight and action.