Wharton Stories: Social Impact

Learn about student programs and other ways to get involved with the Wharton Social Impact Initiative in the 2021–22 academic year.

9 Ways Students Can Get Involved with Social Impact This Year

Arthur van Benthem, associate professor of business economics and public policy at Wharton, discusses key findings from his research on vehicle air pollution and emissions standards.

Research Spotlight: Prof. Arthur van Benthem on New Cars, Old Cars, and Air Pollution Today

Through a series of conversations on the Dollars and Change podcast, Vice Dean Katherine Klein explores the topics of racial equity in investing and diversity in the workplace with leaders in the field.

Diversity and Racial Equity in Investing: Conversations with Industry Leaders and Researchers

Sabrina Chann, W’23, C’23, and Julie Xu, WG’22, discuss what they learned about sustainability after interning at rePurpose Global.

Sustainability and Impact: Wharton Students Reflect on an Environmental Startup Internship

Kesha Cash, founder and general partner at Impact America Fund, talks about her impact investing experience and advises students on how to navigate an impactful career.

From Wall Street to Main Street: Navigating an Impactful Career

Ike Silver, a PhD candidate in the Wharton Marketing Doctoral Program, discusses his research on customer response to companies’ social impact initiatives. The key lesson for companies? Don’t wait.

Research Spotlight: How Customers Respond to Socially Responsible Business Marketing

TIPC gives students skills and experience in designing investment portfolios that maximize impact. A team from Bard won the 2021 competition.

Investing in Change at the 2021 Total Impact Portfolio Challenge

Maya Burns, WG’20, and May Li, WG’21, share their experiences connecting students to organizations in need and helping local businesses since COVID-19 closed their doors.

How 1,200 MBA Students Helped Small Businesses Survive the Pandemic

In the Turner MIINT’s tenth annual competition, graduate student teams from around the globe presented their diligence in hopes to secure up to $100K in investments into high-impact ventures.

Profits and Purpose: Highlights From the 2021 Turner MIINT Competition

Leading economist and Wharton Prof. Olivia S. Mitchell discusses key findings from her new research on financial well-being among Black and Hispanic women.

Social Impact Faculty Spotlight: Professor Olivia S. Mitchell and Financial Well-Being