I find it refreshing and quite promising that so many of our nation’s higher learning institutions are incorporating social responsibility, social entrepreneurialism and sustainability in the classroom. Studies show that 86.5% of University and colleges offer curriculum specifically in these areas. When I was a student at UCLA, not only was these areas not taught, but I had never even heard of the concept.
CSR is being incorporated into both undergrad and graduate programs, and students are eating it up. CSR/Sustainability curriculum is showing up in virtually every department, including business, communications, life sciences, engineering, medical, language studies, etc.
A recent survey clearly illustrates that today’s students are a different breed. They want the world to change and they want to be the ones who drive that transformation.
Take the University Of Miami for example. I recently interviewed their President, Donna Shalala, on this very topic. She says, “Our students want to create jobs, not get jobs.” She points to the school’s sustainability focus as a main reason why U of M enjoys a 94% satisfaction rate among undergrads. Says Shalala, “Our kids want to change the world and they realize that they have the power to do it. They expect the University Of Miami to enable them with the tools to do it. I am so proud of them.”
Personally I find this hugely encouraging. It is comforting to know that our newest generations are shifting their focus from greed and profits to social good and sustainability. They are clearly focusing on creating a global WE… and not a ME first attitude which has corrupted the generations before.
Zennie Abraham 
Bill Carroll