Lynn University and Watson Institute create new, three-year degree model for social entrepreneurs

"This is the first degree-bearing incubator for the world's most promising next generation social entrepreneurs," said Watson Chief Executive Officer and Founder Eric Glustrom. "Selected students can choose to have the full college experience on Lynn's campus in Boca Raton, Florida, or join Watson at Chautauqua Park in Boulder, Colorado. Both offer the same intensive mentorship and workshops led by leading entrepreneurs."

The degree in social entrepreneurship combines Watson's highly selective program, which has an acceptance rate of 15 percent and consists of cohorts with an average of 25 students, with Lynn's nationally-recognized core curriculum. Students receive seed funding, intensive mentorship and award-winning training in ideation, rapid prototyping, fundraising, leadership and management, team building and more. Top mentors and entrepreneurs coach participants in their social venture, passions and personal objectives in the Watson Lab and via Master Courses.

"This is a unique partnership that allows us to formally express our desire to make an impact beyond our campus—something that's always been in our DNA," said Lynn President Kevin M. Ross. "With Watson's remarkable program and network, we can further give students the skills they need to make a difference in the world. And that's only the beginning."

Lynn announced late last year that it will launch a Social Impact Lab in its future Christine E. Lynn University Center, a three-story student union that will open in 2018. The lab will include robust offerings in experiential learning and social innovation.

Watson first aligned with Lynn in October 2014. Participants in Watson's program could elevate their experience by completing Lynn's Dialogues core curriculum online to earn an undergraduate degree. Tessa Zimmerman '16 was the first graduate of the program.

Zimmerman developed ASSET Education, which helps high school students overcome anxiety and succeed academically. She was motivated by her own experience coping with severe anxiety in school and has seen quick success. ASSET currently services 1,600 students and has trained 35 teachers from 12 different schools in Denver, Colorado, and Harlem, New York.

"The combination of Watson and Lynn is powerful," she said. "You get to experience an established network of Lynn alumni and faculty paired with a newer school style that's helping higher education open more doors for young entrepreneurs."

Lynn alumnus and Watson Institute at Lynn University President Andrew Lippi '13, '14 will lead program recruitment and operations in South Florida.

About Watson Institute
Watson Institute is a new model of higher education tailored for next generation innovators, leaders and social entrepreneurs. A select group of students who want to solve significant social, economic, and environmental challenges can gain award-winning training, receive intensive mentorship, develop a powerful community of peers and compete for a pool of seed funding. Watson has graduated 91 alumni from 36 countries, who have raised over $13.5 million and impacted tens of thousands of people around the world through their ventures. For more information about the program, visit watson.lynn.edu.

About Lynn University
Lynn University is an independent college based in Boca Raton, Florida, with approximately 3,000 students from 100 countries. U.S. News & World Report ranks Lynn as the top international university in the region. Lynn's NCAA Division II Fighting Knights have won 23 national titles, its Conservatory of Music features a world-renowned faculty of performers, and its nationally recognized Institute for Achievement and Learning empowers students with learning differences. The school's Dialogues curriculum and award-winning iPad program help Lynn graduates gain the intellectual flexibility and global experience to fulfill their potential in an ever-changing world. For more information, visit lynn.edu.

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