Make Way for Philanthropy University
20 October 2015 at 10:43 am
A new free global university with a focus on philanthropy and social impact has been launched in the USA, with more than 200,000 students already enrolled.
Described as the first of its kind, Philanthropy University, a Berkeley, California-based online institution will offer seven inaugural courses to “provide people working in the social sector specialised learning and resources to deepen their impact”.
Bankrolled by Saudi businessman and mega-philanthropist, His Excellency Amr Al-Dabbagh, the university is the result of a partnership between Al-Dabbagh’s Stars Foundation and the Haas School of Business at the University of California.
Graduates will get a certificate in social sector leadership from UC Berkeley-Haas.
Al-Dabbagh is one of seven founding lecturers at Philanthropy University and will teach a course entitled Leadership: Ten Rules for Impact and Meaning.
“Imagine a workforce of social change professionals who are primed, positioned and skilled to impact the lives of millions of people and effectively change the world with their work. This is the vision of Philanthropy University,” Al-Dabbagh said.
 Amr Al-Dabbagh |
Dr Laura Tyson, Director of the Institute for Business and Social Impact at Berkeley-Haas and Chair of the Philanthropy University Advisory Committee, said the courses would go beyond the traditional Not for Profit webinar because they will last for five to eight weeks.
“Philanthropy University offers leaders in the social sector opportunities to strengthen their skills and grow their network of peers and mentors, ultimately increasing collaboration and efficiency and leading to a greater impact in the world,” Tyson said.
“Berkeley-Haas is proud to be a partner in this new effort to break down barriers to social change by providing free, accessible learning to foster the capacity of the sector around the world.”
Other instructors at the University will include Jessica Jackley, co-founder of Kiva.org, Paul Brest, Professor Emeritus at Stanford University and former President of the Hewlett Foundation and Erik Simanis from Cornell University.
