Morgan Wellman had big dreams for a future career focused on solving global problems but was unsure which path would lead her there. It wasn't until a BYU professor advised her to take the Social Impact Projects (SIP) internship class that she understood her passion for social impact initiatives.
SIP splits student learning between a three-credit classroom experience and a hands-on, team-based internship with leading global organizations. During Morgan's SIP class time, all students were asked join a project for the internship portion of the program. Morgan selected The Academy for Creating Enterprise, a local nonprofit whose mission is to train entrepreneurs in third-world countries.
“The SIP program gave me real-world experience without the fear of being thrown into it too quickly,” said” Morgan. “I received mentorship and classroom learning about social impact while applying it to actual problems.”
As the classroom work and internship ended, SIP instructor Jill Piacitelli recommended Morgan try to continue her work with the same organization as an intern. Morgan agreed, and by the end of her time with The Academy for Creating Enterprise, she had delivered additional research and recommendations to the organization’s board.
“I started my love and passion for learning more,” said Morgan. “It was super fun to dip my toes in, and it is amazing for my resume that I already have an internship in social impact.”
SIP not only looked good on Morgan’s resume, but the experience opened doors for her in other job interviews and social impact opportunities. A year later, one of these doors led Morgan to an internship with the prominent social entrepreneurship funding firm Echoing Green. According to her, the Ballard Center's unique internship program played a key role in advancing her career.
“SIP is the class that facilitates the opportunity for students to achieve their goals,” said Morgan.