Our signature program is the Social Entrepreneurship Launch Program (SE Launch), delivered in partnership with the GCSEN Foundation, a Wheaton partner since 2015. Students apply in the Fall semester to be a part of SE Launch, which is recognized as a Sophomore Experience as part of the Compass Curriculum. SE Launch consists of three parts: the GCSEN-led boot camp in January; Spring semester workshops at Wheaton; and SE Launch Day preparation and presentations in May. In addition to developing basic business, financial, and accounting skills, SE Launch students also receive professional coaching on public speaking and presenting, and feedback from skilled business coaches / mentors drawn from various sectors and backgrounds.

The John and Kendra Molloy Social Venture Scholars (SVS) program is a new initiative, scheduled to launch during AY 21-22, which places rising sophomore, junior, and senior students in summer internships with entrepreneurial ventures with a social impact. The program, which will be delivered in partnership with Social Enterprise Greenhouse in Providence, Rhode Island, gives students an opportunity to gain working experience in a startup / social enterprise environment while receiving mentorship and support from their host supervisor. Students are also involved in a tailor-made professional development program with their SVS cohort at Social Enterprise Greenhouse.

Wheaton students’ participation in the Semester in the City (SITC) program with the College for Social Innovation allows them to gain valuable apprenticeship-based learning opportunities in Boston’s social sector. Led on campus by Professor Dolita Cathcart, SITC allows students from diverse backgrounds and majors to develop new skills, expanded networks, and a deeper understanding of themselves while spending a semester in living and working in Boston.