Beyond the Desk: Advancing Community Change

"Beyond the Desk: Advancing Community Change" is a one-credit course in which students will have the opportunity to dive deep into a private foundation known for its innovative approach. Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation, along with other key staff and consultants, will instruct the course.

This course will explore how together we can advance community change through class discussion and practical use of The Patterson Foundation's (TPF) unique tenets and approaches to philanthropy. Assignments and discussions will challenge students to think about what's possible in philanthropy when we engage with communities, work across sectors, and foster wide participation around shared aspirations. A combination of synchronous Zoom discussions and asynchronous material will ensure a valuable six-week journey complete with time for connection and reflection.

This course is recommended for students interested in an innovative approach to philanthropy, learning about key mindset and behavior shifts for truly advancing community change, and forging deep connections with peers.

"Beyond the Desk: Advancing Community Change" will be taught in Fall 2024 on Tuesdays from 4:00-5:30pm EST from October 29 through December 3.