Program Summary 2007-2008: Synaptic Scholars

Some of the IGL’s most interesting and effectual endeavors arise from projects created by the eclectic array of student groups initiated within the Institute. The program summary, implemented in a standardized format for the first time in the 2007-2008 academic year, is intended to encapsulate the purpose, goals, and accomplishments of the student groups throughout the year. The program summary is as much a tool to encourage reflection and strategic planning within the student group as it is a medium to describe the group to the outside world, other students, collaborators, and donors. The summary has six sections for each group. The first three sections – About, Mission, Goals – provide an overview of what the group is, why it exists, and what it hopes to accomplish. The fourth section – Year in Review – summarizes each of the group’s activities over the course of the academic year, while the fifth – Strategic Direction – communicates the group’s plans for how it anticipates growing or changing in the next year or two in order to meet its goals. The final section – Meet the Members – lists each active group member and occasionally includes testimonials from students and others working with the groups. Over the next several years, the Institute plans to refine the way its student groups operate to provide students with more opportunities to develop skills and knowledge they will need to be effective global leaders. By encouraging students to think through the steps of translating their group vision into reality and giving them the responsibility – with appropriate guidance – for enacting each step (e.g. articulating mission, defining strategy, fundraising, logistics, budgeting, marketing, publishing, and building partnerships), the Institute seeks to provide active student group members with a simulated real-world work experience, similar to what they might encounter in a non-profit or non-governmental organization.