Babson College to teach social responsibility

Babson College students in Wellesley will start a new tradition this year as they spend their first day on campus learning about and participating in community service in a new program called “From Day One: Making a Difference,” according to a press release.

On Aug. 31, Fortune 500 company leaders will speak with students about social responsibility in the corporate world. Participating companies include IBM, Fidelity, Monster Worldwide, National Grid and Ocean Spray.

Then, students will set out to volunteer with greater-Boston area nonprofits like Friends of the Homeless South Shore, Jones River Landing Environmental Heritage Center, Boston ReStore and Cradles to Crayons.

View a video about the program here.

Other parts of the day include a sustainable meal, a keynote speech from founders of an organic baby food company, hourly podcasts, and music from Jamie Kent, a Babson graduate.

“Babson is committed From Day One to making sure that our students understand that choices do not have to be made between a career for profit or purpose," said Cheryl Y. Kiser, managing director of The Lewis Institute and executive director of Babson Social Innovation Lab, in the release.

"Whether you choose to create a business, go into one that exists or start or join a not-for-profit, creating both economic and social value is critical to sustainable success."

For more information, visit Babson’s program partner, The Lewis Institute, at http://www3.babson.edu/lewis.