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Applications are now being accepted for the Winter 2012 program

University of Chicago Application Website

Northwestern University Application Website

Meet cC Students

campusCATALYST engages top college undergraduates from all academic majors, backgrounds, and career aspirations. Participant selection is highly competitive with rigorous application requirements and complimentary academic coursework to promote high-performing and knowledgeable teams. campusCATALYST selects members who exemplify leadership, teamwork, and dedication to strengthening our communities.

Who They Are

While campusCATALYST seeks a diverse group of individuals that are passionate about making an impact on their communities. 2009 campusCATALYST participants were individuals with majors ranging from social policy to legal studies to mathematical models in social sciences and economics. In addition, these participants brought a diverse range of experiences to their teams, with internships at Obama for America and The Boston Consulting Group. Furthermore, as campusCATALYST alumni they are bringing their social entrepreneurship experience and passion for community development to premier organizations such as McKinsey & Company and Teach for America.

Alumni

campusCATALYST alumni will go on to work in every sector around the globe. Given the opportunity for critical analysis of and experience within the nonprofit sector, alumni tell us they have gained strong problem-solving skills, honed their leadership styles and deepened their commitment to their communities, as well as to the greater social good. Regardless of sector, campusCATALYST alumni continue to devote their energies towards social entrepreneurship and community service, demonstrating the long lasting impact of their undergraduate civic involvement.

FAQs

What exactly do campusCATALYST Community Analysts do?

By conducting significant consultant work for Chicago non-profits, cC Community Analysts engage in a rigorous ten-week introduction to the non-profit and consulting fields. Our Community Analysts are adequately supported through weekly three-hour seminars (with guest speakers from both the business and nonprofit sectors), Booth MBA Mentors, and by working in teams of five. Not only will Community Analysts garner many transferable skills through the material taught in The Evolving Social Sector and the Business of Nonprofits (an application only class), but analysts will be able to instantly practice their acquired skills through consulting their non-profits.

What does the academic seminar entail?

Each class covers the fundamentals of nonprofit management and the basics of the consulting process. Other topics included are nonprofit financing and development, cross-sectoral leadership, measuring impact, and social entrepreneurship, among others. Also, there are three required PowerPoint Presentations throughout the quarter, which allows each of the teams the opportunity to introduce their nonprofit client and consulting project to the rest of the class.

What kind of projects do students work on?

Our Spring 2008 Analysts worked with the YWCA, Porchlight Counseling Services, Campus Kitchens, Open Studio Project, and Childcare Network of Evanston. Open Studio Project designed a strategic community outreach plan to increase their earned-income revenue. Childcare Network of Evanston refined the organization’s core messaging and then developed a market strategy to improve CNE’s brand in the community. Campus Kitchens developed a strategic volunteer recruitment model and on-campus leadership structure.

Do I get to choose which NPO I work with?

After acceptance, students will receive information on the organizations cC will be working with next quarter Analysts will then rank the nonprofits based on preference, and teams will be decided through a combination of honoring preferences, as well as considering a balance between business/consulting and non-profit experiences within the team.

What is the time commitment?

All applicants should understand that cC will take on average 10-12 hours per week outside of the weekly three-hour class. This time commitment includes the time analysts spend meeting with their team, their local nonprofit, and their MBA mentor.

Do I have to register for the class? How?

Once accepted, you will receive specific instructions for your campus. Prior to receiving your acceptance email, you should register for your other classes as usual. All students must register for the course and receive a grade. Unfortunately we do not allow auditors to participate in the cC program. You must take the class for credit. The title of the course is “Lessons in Non-Profit Management.”

Can I take cC as a fifth class (overload course)?

We strongly recommend that you don’t take cC as a fifth course. The campusCATALYST program/course is easily a 10 hour a week commitment and the projects are challenging. Also, keep in mind that if you decide to take the cC course as an overload course you may have to pay extra tuition or get special approval.

What kind of students are you looking for?

We are looking for students who are dedicated to driving forward social change in an innovative, critical and sustainable manner. We encourage students from all backgrounds to apply; however, we look for a common thread of commitment to improving the lives of others. cC is a competitive program, so we do consider traditional factors such as academic record, extracurricular participation and leadership experience; however, we focus on each candidate individually, instead of setting any requirements.

What is my next step if I’m interested in applying?

You should first continue to explore our website and familiarize yourself with the program. Visit the application website for your University. Applications for the following quarter are usually due during the 6th week of the quarter. Check the application website for your University for specific dates and times.

Is there a minimum GPA requirement?

No

Who do I contact if I have more questions about the Community Analyst Program?

Questions can be emailed to the campus coordinator on your campus.

Northwestern – northwestern@campuscatalyst.org
University of Chicago – uchicago@campuscatalyst.org

Apply

Application links will be available during fourth week. Please check back then!

University of Chicago Application Website

Northwestern University Application Website