Since 1970, Walden has used educational innovation to empower the greater good. We’re proud of our history—and we’ve only just begun.
In 1970, 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.
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.
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.
Learn more about our efforts to connect our virtual presence with local and global initiatives in the Walden 2020: A Vision for Social Change Report.
Social change is not just something we talk about at Walden—it’s who we are. As a Certified B Corporation®, we’re part of a 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, as well as future generations.
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.
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As a university rooted in social change, our promise to provide an Education for Good® extends beyond the classroom. The Walden community is dedicated to being excellent global citizens and are giving back in unique ways.
As the number of COVID-19 cases grew in Spring 2020, Walden sprang into action to help Baltimore City Public Schools. Through Mobilize for Good, Walden provided much needed tablets and other school supplies to help make a difference. Learn more about how Walden is Mobilizing for Good.
67%
aggregate rate of volunteerism among Walden alumni compared with the national average of 30% of adults in the U.S., as reported in the Volunteering in America Report (2018)*
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.
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:
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.
How Walden recognizes social change through scholarships, grants and awards.
Grants and Scholarships for Students
To 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 .
This award recognizes our employees’ efforts—whether within or outside the university—that exemplify our mission of positive social change.
Walden Magazine and Spotlight on WaldenWalden magazine and Spotlight on Walden, the university’s blog, feature stories and insights from our community of social change agents. Get to know Walden and see how we’re making a difference. Share your inspiring story with Walden.
Walden Magazine // 7/20/2020
Joyce Reingold
On Walden University’s first Global Day of Service in 2006, faculty, staff, students, and alumni worked alongside members of their communities on meaningful volunteer activities—neighbors helping neighbors. It was an ideal fit for a university founded to inspire and lead scholars to work for positive social change.
Spotlight on Walden // 2/24/2021
Inspired by their mother, Drs. Ikenna and Faraji Martin, PhD in Human Services and MS in Human Services graduates, are working to help children and young adults succeed through mentoring and higher education.
Spotlight on Walden // 6/26/2020
Talk to your personal Enrollment Specialist for more information today.
