Camarillo, Calif., Dec. 10, 2008—California State University Channel Islands recently was notified as the recipient of a $35,000 grant from the Citi Foundation for the planning of an institute for social business program on campus. The Citi Foundation focuses its grants primarily in three areas, including microfinance and microentrepreneurship, which help individuals throughout the world become economically self-sufficient.
Officials from the Citi Foundation will present the grant money to CSU Channel Islands faculty, students, and administrators at a luncheon on Dec. 12. Several individuals representing non-profit organizations in Ventura County also will be present.
“This grant will assist the University in planning the curriculum for the first social business program in this region. The concept of social business is growing in popularity and many of our students have already expressed an interest in this program,” said Ashish Vaidya, Dean of the Faculty.
The funds provided by the Citi Foundation will help CSU Channel Islands explore opportunities for social business both locally and abroad. The growing field of social business aims to eradicate poverty through ethical and sustainable business practices. In Fall 2009, the University plans to offer a social business course that focuses on micro finance and lending within developing nations and economies abroad.
“Microfinance is a powerful weapon in the fight to alleviate poverty,” said Rashi Kallur, Community Relations Officer at Citi. “The Citi Foundation has been supporting the expansion and evolution of the microfinance industry for decades, and we are proud to support CSU Channel Islands as they begin to develop this important Social Business program.”
The development of an institute for social business aligns with the CSU Channel Islands mission statement by providing students opportunities for gaining international perspectives through integrative approaches and experiential learning.
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About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands(CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CI's Social Media.