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Social Change
Request InformationSince 1970, Walden has used educational innovation to empower the greater good. We’re proud of our history—and we’ve only just begun.
The Passion That Drives Us
Nearly 50 years ago, Bernie and Rita Turner sought to build a learning community where knowledge could be applied to solve key societal challenges. Their vision: to empower students to make a difference by confronting those challenges where they live, in their professions, and on a global scale.
Today, social change is still the beating heart of Walden, from our innovative approach to education to countless student and alumni success stories. Our founding principle will continue to guide us as we embrace new ways to learn and new ways to shape a better world.
A Force for Good
Social change is not just something we talk about at Walden—it’s who we are. As a Certified B Corporation, we’ve joined the growing movement of organizations and companies that are dedicated to creating and contributing to mission-driven change. Together, we’re working toward positively impacting the communities we serve and, most important, future generations.
66%
average rate of volunteerism among Walden alumni compared with the national average among college graduates of 39%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2016).1
Walden Mission and Vision
Mission
Walden University provides a diverse community of career professionals with the opportunity to transform themselves as scholar-practitioners so that they can effect positive social change.
Vision
Walden University envisions a distinctively different 21st-century learning community where knowledge is judged worthy to the degree that it can be applied by its graduates to the immediate solutions of critical societal challenges, thereby advancing the greater global good.
A 2020 Vision
As Walden enters its 50th year in 2020, we’re working on a five-year plan that shapes our vision for social change within the university. Learn more about our efforts to connect our virtual presence with local and global initiatives in the Walden 2020: A Vision for Social Change 2017 Report.
Kristen Anderson, Class of 2015, MS in Education
Advancing the Greater Good
Center for Social Change
Walden’s Center for Social Change is a networking hub with three major commitments: empowering change-makers, building community, and elevating social change outcomes. The center partners with stakeholders across the university and in the community to support and create many social change initiatives, including Global Days of Service.
Learn MoreA Focus on Applied Knowledge
Learning at Walden isn’t just about gaining new knowledge. It’s about building skills you can apply immediately on the job and in your life. Working together, our faculty focuses on continually refining our programs to empower students as both professionals and social change agents.
Social Entrepreneurship Programs
Become the entrepreneurial professional you’ve always wanted to be. As part of our core mission of social change, Walden offers masters-level program specializations and certificates to help you advance your passion for making an impact in your profession and community. The following programs offer a specialization in Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation:
Study and Service Abroad
Walden’s study abroad and international public service programs allow students to broaden their perspectives and gain a better understanding of their own culture while being immersed in another. This leads to a greater respect for cultural differences and a deeper appreciation for one’s own academic and career goals.
Mercy Chikhosi Nyirongo - Class of 2014 - Master of Public Health
Celebrating Our Change-Makers
How Walden recognizes social change through scholarships, grants and awards.
Grants and Scholarships for StudentsTo help students reach their fullest potential and make a difference in the world around them, Walden regularly commits millions of dollars in social change scholarships and grants .
Commitment to Social Change AwardThis award recognizes our employees’ efforts—whether within or outside the university—that exemplify our mission of positive social change.
Walden MagazineWalden magazine and Spotlight on Walden , the university’s blog, both feature stories and insights from our community of change agents. Get to know Walden and see how we’re making a difference. Share your story at [email protected]
Resource Articles
5 Things That Everyone Should Know About Social Change
Resource Articles
Social Entrepreneurship: One Woman’s Journey
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