University Students Learn Social Entrepreneurship Skills at Asheville, NC Retreat

ASHEVILLE, N.C., Aug. 30, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Students from throughout the southeast United States will meet in Asheville, NC, Oct 19-21, 2018, to attend the Sullivan Foundation's social entrepreneurship Ignite Retreat.

Sullivan retreats are designed to immerse students in a series of workshops to assist them in "igniting" ideas about how to make positive change in their communities or develop a social business enterprise or event that might solve or alleviate a problem.

"The Sullivan Foundation recognizes students and community leaders who have led lives with integrity, characterized by service above self and service to their communities.  We've presented awards each year since 1890 to outstanding students primarily. And, since 1934, provided scholarships to deserving students," said Steve McDavid, the Foundation's president.  "In 2008, we added focused programming, including the Ignite events, to foster social enterprise activities."  

Students interested in the Ignite Retreat may attend a series of workshops and connect with many socially conscious individuals from throughout the country.  They may also choose from educational programming tracks based on whether they are just beginning their social entrepreneurial journey; they have a set of social challenges they would like to learn how to address; or if they have a specific social venture they would like to bring to life!

The Ignite Retreat will be held at YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, just outside of Ashville. In addition to immersive workshops, students will have the opportunity to pitch their projects to experienced social entrepreneurs, gain access to Sullivan Award alumni, and receive access to Sullivan scholarship funding. General admission, including meals and lodging, is $425; however, a select group of students from 31 Sullivan Network Schools may be eligible to receive a sponsored ticket through their Sullivan endowed institution. For a list of schools with potential funding, please visit https://sullivanfdn.org/network/. Students interested in attending the Ignite Retreat may purchase tickets until October 3, 2018.

For further information visit www.sullivanfdn.org/events and www.IgniteRetreat.live or call 662.236.6335. E-mail questions regarding the events to [email protected].

About the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation
The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation was founded in 1934, but its roots date back sixty years earlier when the then President of the United States, Grover Cleveland, and a group of influential persons created the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award to honor those that inspire lives of integrity and service. Sullivan Awards have been presented to people whose lives of service have changed the world with little fanfare as well as those who have become household names – recipients include First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell, and Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, to name a few.

The Sullivan Foundation is dedicated to alleviating socioeconomic issues in the American South.  Today, the Foundation remains as strong as ever and is expanding its reach – investing in social entrepreneurship, which equips universities, students and community members with the tools necessary to apply business models to social issues.

Contact: Kevin J. Seddon
Cell: 662.816.5964
E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation