This past summer, our Operations Director, Rachel Haynes, designed and launched B Academics’ first-ever Summer B Impact Teams Program. This initiative was created to serve students worldwide who do not have access to a B Impact Teams program at their home institutions, while also fostering collaboration among diverse teams. The program supported our student engagement strategy by connecting students to the business as a force for good movement through this experiential learning model.

Hosted remotely over a 10-week period, the program provided an accessible and impactful experience. Below, we share key outcomes and takeaways from our inaugural program.

Overview of the Program
The Summer B Impact Teams Program, organized by B Academics, brought together students, mentors, and mission-driven companies to collaborate on meaningful sustainability and social impact projects. This program offered students a unique opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, working directly with companies aiming to improve their impact using the B Impact Assessment (BIA). Through hands-on experience, students gained valuable consulting and sustainability skills while helping companies progress towards B Corp certification or deepen their commitment to social and environmental goals.

“This was incredibly valuable to me, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the B Impact Team! There were multiple times where I stopped to think how lucky I was that this opportunity became available”. – Student Participant 2024

Summary Metrics
This year’s Summer B Impact Teams Program saw remarkable engagement and results:

• Overall satisfaction: 4.4 (out of 5) average
• 83% would recommend the program to a friend
• Average time spent in program per week: 5 – 8 hours

“As a mentor, I most enjoyed working with a brilliant, engaged, diverse team of students from around the world. The students were clearly dedicated to getting the most out of this real world project, contributed a broad set of expertise, conducted relevant and applied research for the client and asked outstanding questions. They were a pleasure to work with.” – Program Mentor 2024

Key Takeaways
The program’s success was built on a foundation of collaboration, innovation, and the shared desire to drive positive change. Here are a few highlights:

• Hands-On Learning Experience: Students were able to immerse themselves in practical work, gaining firsthand experience in areas such as sustainability consulting, stakeholder engagement, and impact measurement. They also sharpened skills in problem-solving and project management.
• Business Impact: Companies involved in the program benefited from fresh perspectives and innovative solutions, helping them advance in their journey toward greater social and environmental impact.
• Mentor Support: Dedicated mentors played a crucial role in guiding students throughout the process, offering expertise and encouraging innovative thinking while ensuring students took ownership of their work.
• A Growing Network: The program fostered a sense of community among participants, with students, mentors, and companies alike forming strong, lasting connections that extend beyond the summer.

Looking Ahead
The success of the Summer B Impact Teams Program demonstrates the power of experiential learning combined with real-world impact. As we look to the future, we aim to expand the program’s reach, creating even more opportunities for students and businesses to collaborate on impactful initiatives. With the demand for sustainable business practices growing, we are excited to continue shaping the next generation of leaders in this space.

Stay tuned for our student and company applications to launch for the Summer 2024 program in Spring 2025!

B Impact Teams Program Page