The Pinewood Scholars Program
in Social Entrepreneurship

Shaping Future Leaders: A Pivotal Initiative for Juniors and Seniors

The Pinewood Scholars Program in Social Entrepreneurship is a transformative initiative designed to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and mindset necessary to address pressing global challenges. Our program fosters a deep commitment to social innovation, sustainability, and community impact, empowering students to create meaningful change through entrepreneurial endeavors.

Program Overview

We believe that the future belongs to those who dare to think differently. The Social Entrepreneurship program provides a unique opportunity for students to harness their creativity and purpose-driven mindset to develop solutions that create economic, social, and environmental value.

Junior Year: Social Entrepreneurship 1
Senior Year: Social Entrepreneurship 2

Junior Year: Social Entrepreneurship 1

The journey begins junior year with Social Entrepreneurship 1. This foundational course immerses students in the world of social innovation through experiential learning. Students are introduced to key concepts in social entrepreneurship and sustainability, gaining hands-on experience through interactive projects.

By October, students launch their own social ventures, applying lessons in project management, marketing, public speaking, and systems thinking. This course encourages students to think critically and act boldly, fostering the skills needed to make a tangible impact on society.

Senior Year: Social Entrepreneurship 2

The program culminates in senior year with Social Entrepreneurship 2, where students refine and elevate their junior-year projects. The focus shifts to storytelling, ethical considerations, and the intricacies of social entrepreneurship. Students learn to navigate the complexities of social and economic systems, developing sustainable solutions with a lasting impact.

Throughout this course, students deepen their understanding of the interconnectedness of societal issues, ensuring their ventures are not only impactful but also ethically sound and sustainable.

What matters to me? What am I going to do about it?

Real-World Impact

Pinewood Scholars Program in Social Entrepreneurship

The Pinewood Scholars Program in Social Entrepreneurship is a launchpad for future leaders who are committed to making a difference. By the time they complete the program, students possess the practical skills and the entrepreneurial mindset needed to drive change in their communities and beyond.

Our students have tackled a wide array of challenges, from environmental conservation to social justice, demonstrating the power of youth-driven innovation. Their projects reflect the diversity and creativity that the program nurtures, showcasing the potential of the next generation to build a more equitable and sustainable world.

In the Spotlight: Pinewood Scholars in the Media

We're using our voices to create change. Subscribe to the Pinewood Scholars Program podcast on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon Music/Audible to hear our students' passion come through.

Pinewood Students Forge a Path in Community Investment (opens in new window/tab)

Pinewood students gathered on Feb. 27 to meet with school administrators and teachers on their business projects surrounding various social, political and health issues. This opportunity allowed them to get feedback on their project and how it can be improved or changed. Los Altos Town Crier

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Student Impact: PSP Projects in Action

Pinewood Microfinance Program

Koh T. '25 created the Pinewood Microfinancing Porgram, which makes microloans to the world's unbanked, helping families escape their cycle of poverty.

American Dreamscape

Michael S. '25 developed American Dreamscape, a podcast docuseries that delves into the stories of immigrants in our community through in-depth interviews and storytelling.

Grantlada

Oscar Barnes '24 launched Grantlada, an independent freelance grant-writing organization dedicated to financially supporting underserved communities.

Paddling Towards Equality

Trevor Kaskade '22 diversifies riders of the sea by providing surf lessons and equipment through Paddling Towards Equality.

Reuben & Friends

Anika Nambisan '24 helps educate young people about domestic abuse through her YA graphic novel, Reuben & Friends.

Bright Start

Lacey A. '25 empowers children of farm workers in Half Moon Bay by offering free STEM lessons with complementary project kits through Bright Start. These resources provide students with valuable skills and knowledge to enhance their learning and development.

Soapy Studies

Ashton Riches '23 provides learning opportunities and connections one wash at a time at uninspiring places (like laundromats) in the Bay Area.

Noteable

Magnolia Lemmon '22 uses the power of catchy music to spread positivity with original music telling true uplifting stories for youth through Noteable.

RoboboxEd

Kathleen X. '25 aims to inspire and support underprivileged students to explore robotics through RoboboxEd by offering workshops and resources for students in low-income communities.

Preloved Proms

Through her project, Preloved Proms, Ruby H. '25 provides free second-hand formal attire to high schoolers in need through pop-up stores at local high schools.

Second Chance

Saavri Biswal '22 shares stories of strength and resilience from formerly incarcerated people through Second Chance, a photojournalism website, sparking empathy and impactful, human-centered solutions.

Hippocrates-AI

Alakh Kapadia '25 developed Hippocrates-AI, a generative AI assistant to help doctors diagnose patients. Hippocrates-AI is currently in beta with Kaiser.

Our Newsletters Tell the Story

Field Trips

Our field trips offer hands-on learning experiences that deepen students' grasp of social entrepreneurship. By visiting places like the Tech Museum of Innovation, Code Tenderloin, Urban Alchemy, Housing Matters, and the Homeless Garden Project, students witness successful social enterprises and sustainability efforts firsthand. These experiences bridge classroom learning with real-world applications, fostering a well-rounded approach to social impact.

Guest Speakers

Guest speakers are crucial to PSP, offering real-world insights and inspiration. Leaders like Carolyn Wang Kong (Asian Pacific Fund), Josh Makower (Stanford Byers Center for Biodesign), and Jim Ellis (Stanford Business School) share their experiences, helping students understand the challenges and opportunities in social entrepreneurship. These interactions broaden our perspectives and provide valuable networking opportunities that enrich their educational journey.

Student Projects

Student projects are the cornerstone of PSP, enabling students to tackle real-world challenges inspired by what matters to them. Ruby H.'s Preloved Proms, providing prom attire to those in need, and Jake K.'s DME4All, connecting individuals with donated medical equipment, exemplify the program’s focus on practical impact. These initiatives highlight students' ability to drive meaningful change, reinforcing PSP's commitment to social innovation and community service.

When I was a student in PSP, I knew that it was teaching me valuable skills for my college business courses, but I didn’t know to what extent. Last semester, I took a course called Business Dynamics, which required various formal presentations throughout the semester. In PSP, on-the-spot presentations and elevator pitches were a part of everyday class, so these formal presentations felt like nothing! I was very confident, while many other students appeared nervous during their presentations. PSP made me not only a more assured presenter but also exposed me to business terms that my professors commonly use.

Peyton Meinhardt
Class of 2023

The Pinewood Scholars Program in Social Entrepreneurship