INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL IMPACT

The Institute for Social Impact was launched in 2018 and is a distinctive and innovative approach among independent schools, using the power of engaged, hands-on learning to prepare students for leadership in their communities, workplaces, and society. Designed as an expansion of the School’s service-learning program, the Institute allows students to engage with diverse partners, learn from civic leaders, and make a direct impact on the community around them. Since its inception, it has grown to include more than 24 Middle and Upper School classes with a Social Impact designation, along with School clubs, partnerships with outside organizations, and opportunities to lead through project-based work.

“Social Impact really focuses on students finding their purpose,” says Laura Day, Director of Innovation and Collaboration. “It’s about making sure that they build skills, knowledge, and relationships, and then use all of those to create systemic change in something that they care about.”

Through opportunities with the Institute, our girls are living our mission. They graduate with advocacy skills, real-world experience, a sense of purpose, empathy, and the ability to think about and design solutions to tomorrow’s greatest challenges.

Creating Leaders

“Through my work with the Institute, I’ve discovered the power of my voice to make concrete change.”

ZOYA HAQ Class of 2023

Our communities are facing significant social and environmental challenges. Through the Institute for Social Impact, Hockaday students are motivated and able to help in meaningful ways. We are raising leaders and instilling in them an understanding of local and global challenges, a deep sense of ethics, and confidence in their own abilities.

The Institute helps our students:

• Develop practical skills through real-world experiences

• Design solutions to complex social issues

• Build advocacy skills

• Cultivate leadership and teamwork

• Develop empathy

• Build character