Students in this class will work in small teams with nonprofit clients in Latin America on strategic management and capacity building projects. Projects may address issues of finance, development, marketing, human resources, program evaluation or other topics. During the fall semester, students will work with the professor and guest speakers to enhance their skills on consulting, communication and project management. Students also will conduct research and prepare for fieldwork with experts in fields relevant to their NGO client deliverables. Fall course assignments include a fieldwork plan and practice client presentation in Spanish. Student teams will travel for fieldwork and NGO site visits for 10 to 14 days during the winter break (January 1-18, 2016). Student work during the Spring Semester will focus on analyzing field research and completing client deliverables, including a video project that highlights the work of the NGO. Media and video editing training is part of the coursework. Some level of Spanish is required. Students are expected to produce research and client deliverables in both Spanish and English. NGO projects under consideration include faith-based development projects in a number of Latin American countries and a social enterprise business based in Ecuador.
Funding for travel stipends to defray the costs of international travel will be provided by the RGK Center's Meadows Social Enterprise Fellows Program.