The USC Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab (BSEL) at USC Marshall School of Business is celebrating the 15th year of its social impact-focused mentorship program, BSEL Undergraduate Impact Scholars. The program, launched in 2010, convenes select juniors and seniors who are interested in careers in social impact to participate in a nine-month cohort experience. All majors across USC are eligible to participate, with emphasis on students’ interest and track record in creating social impact in their area of study or passion.
“The BSEL Social Impact Scholars program brings together future changemakers with current change leaders,” said Marelle Jimenez, senior student engagement programs advisor of BSEL. “Learning about the ever-changing issues with a modern eye, our scholars have gone on to start their own businesses and work for nonprofits and businesses across multiple areas of social impact, including children’s music literacy, urban design for marginalized groups, and educational equity. This program is making a difference in the world of social impact, one scholar at a time.”
Mentorship is a key strategy through which students and early professionals can learn about careers they might not be familiar with, while also gaining access to resources and guidance on how to create career trajectories that align with their values and overall goals. Yet, according to Forbes, even though an overwhelming majority of people believe mentorship is important, only about 30% have a mentor. Of those who do have mentors, over 90% find them to be valuable.
Mentorship is one tool used to help diversify talent pools and inspire both the mentor and mentee in the relationship. BSEL seeks to foster close mentor-mentee relationships and also peer-to-peer support networks.
As part of the program, professional leaders across sectors are paired with student scholars based on similarities in backgrounds, fields, or future visions. In addition to one-on-one mentorship, BSEL hosts monthly skills-building workshops and is open to all USC students to apply.