Social Capital & Global Citizenship

The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan's MBA program cultivates an appreciation for social responsibility among students and faculty. Students are introduced early to the commitment the Ross School of Business demonstrates toward citizenship.  During the Leadership Development Program (LDP)  -  the signature, week-long pre-session that kicks off  the MBA program -  students are introduced to Global Citizenship Day. This highly innovative program is based on a Michigan Executive Education offering that Business Week called one of the most creative anywhere. Global Citizenship Day is spent coming face-to-face with the very tangible need for corporate citizenship - doing project work alongside invited corporate executives in places like homes for at-risk adolescents, homeless shelters, or inner-city job retraining centers. It's also about intense development of team skills and understanding what it takes to lead others.

After LDP, pursuing your professional aspirations at the Ross School of Business will coincide with unique opportunities to involve yourself in a compelling collection of clubs and organizations, including several that are devoted to community service. Associations ranging from Michigan Net Impact to the Community Consulting Club benefit students' professional development while positively impacting the community. Because Michigan defines the success of its graduates by their professional acumen as well as their community involvement, the school supports activities that will challenge participants and benefit society. Over the years, Michigan MBA students have been actively involved in such worthwhile programs as: Habitat for Humanity; FOCUS: Hope; and America Reads Tutoring Corporation, a nationwide initiative established at the University of Michigan to collect books and tutor elementary students in Ann Arbor and Detroit. Other organizations such as the Black Business Students Association and Michigan Business Women enjoy active support on campus by focusing their attentions on groups who have been under-represented in the business world. The surrounding Ann Arbor and Metro Detroit communities offer countless other avenues to get involved and develop your skills for global citizenship.