Update: Chatting with the Advisory

I’ve spoken with three members of the SSE Advisory who had fantastic insights about social entrepreneurship education and the SSE model and shared some similar thoughts, namely that the SSE model would be good for Ontario.

The main reasons? It fills a particular niche by reaching out to social entrepreneurs who are looking for specific skills and is more flexible than programs that operate within a business school, for example. A case study environment such as the SSE provides, is much more attractive to social entrepreneurs. Their education then, as one member said, “becomes a live, learning experience: learning and helping at the same time”

There were some different points of view about the importance of an online or long distance learning component. Trainings offered through the United Way often attract people from across the province, even though the courses are geared specifically towards organizations seeking Toronto-based funding. Offering online learning exclusively wouldn’t, “feel true to the spirit of the SSE”.

That being said, a long-distance learning component might reach those who might not be able to travel to a physical location or could allow them to learn according to their own schedule. A hybrid model might work: online modules would end in a capstone program with a residential component. People would come together at the end of the program - after completing online courses - to share their experiences, build networks and participate in peer mentorship. 

Ultimately, many agree that the practical component and peer mentoring are fundamental. A laboratory environment that allows students to learn from mentors who have “been there, done that” and apply this knowledge immediately to their work.