College for Social Innovation

What College for Social Innovation does

College for Social Innovation (CFSI) is a Boston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2015 by Eric Schwarz (co-founder and former CEO of Citizen Schools). The organization operates experiential-learning "semester" programs that place undergraduate and young-adult students (ages 17-25) into 15-week, fully-credited internships at social-sector host organizations, paired with two structured courses (Social Innovator's Toolbox and Becoming a Problem Solver) and a Special Project comprising roughly 40% of internship time. Its flagship product is Semester in the City (SITC), a Boston-immersion program; it has since added Semester for Impact (SFI), which places students near their home campuses, and a Gap Semester pilot for students not currently enrolled in college. It serves three interlocking stakeholder groups: college/university partners (20+ institutions such as UVM, UNH, Wheaton, Clark, and Colby), host organizations (200+ nonprofits, social-mission businesses, and government agencies), and the students themselves.

CFSI is not a technology company; it uses standard LMS, video conferencing, and social platforms, with TELUSHealth as a third-party digital mental-health partner. It operates no proprietary software, API, or app. Its "product" is a curriculum-plus-placement model differentiated by full-semester immersion, dedicated mentorship, wraparound supports (housing in Allston MA, MBTA pass, stipend, food reimbursement, counseling), and AmeriCorps affiliation providing ~$2,000 Segal Education Awards per participant.

The business model blends earned revenue and philanthropy. Earned revenue comes from tuition/program fees (designed to cost the same or less than students' existing tuition and billed through partner colleges' financial-aid systems), housing fees ($4,200 double / $5,700 single per semester, plus summer sublets), and AmeriCorps grant funding. Philanthropy from foundations and individuals (The Boston Foundation, Skoll Foundation, Dorot, Devonshire, Germeshausen, and others) constitutes the majority of funds raised. Since launch, CFSI reports approximately $7 million in philanthropy and $4.3 million in earned revenue (~$11.3 million cumulative). Go-to-market is partnership- and referral-led: college liaisons recruit students, a 1,000+ alumni network drives referrals, and direct web application handles enrollment.

Name

College for Social Innovation

Legal name

College for Social Innovation

Website

https://collegeforsocialinnovation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

College for Social Innovation is a Boston nonprofit running 15-week credited experiential-learning programs (Semester in the City, Semester for Impact, Gap Semester) that place students aged 17-25 into social-sector internships, serving partner colleges and 200+ host organizations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Experiential Education Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (6117), Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Employment Agencies (7361)

akta.pro primary industry

Work-Based Learning Programs (Internships, Apprenticeships, Community-Based Instruction) (EDAKANAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Portfolio, Capstone & Project-Based Program Support (EDAMAKAD), Alumni, Peer & Community Networking Programs (EDAMAKAM)

Keywords

• Experiential education programs
• Social innovation fellowships
• College internship programs
• Nonprofit education services
• Civic leadership training

Headquarters

HQ city

Boston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Program Fees: CFSI charges tuition for the Semester in the City program, designed to cost the same or less than students' current tuition and fees. Partner colleges bill students through their normal financial aid and billing processes. Housing costs are separate, ranging from $4,200-$5,700 per semester.
2. AmeriCorps Funding: Students become AmeriCorps members and receive Segal Education Awards of approximately $2,000 each, which can be applied to future education expenses. CFSI receives AmeriCorps grant funding in connection with this program.
3. Philanthropy and Donations: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, CFSI raises funds from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Major donors include Anonymous Foundation, The Boston Foundation, Devonshire Foundation, Dorot Foundation, Germeshausen Foundation, Skoll Foundation, and others. Total philanthropy raised since 2015 is $7 million plus $4.3 million in earned revenue.
4. Housing Revenue: Students pay for housing in CFSI-managed apartments in Allston, MA. Fall 2026 pricing is $4,200 for a double room and $5,700 for a single room per semester. Sublet opportunities are available at $1,080/month for alumni and $1,275/month for non-alumni during summer.
5. Scholarship Administration: CFSI administers the Changemaker Scholarship (need-based, $500-$2,000 awards) and partners with external scholarship programs to provide financial support to students, reducing the net cost barrier for participation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

College for Social Innovation delivers 15-week, fully-credited experiential learning fellowships for undergraduate students aged 17–25, combining immersive internships at social-sector host organizations, two required courses (Social Innovator's Toolbox; Becoming a Problem Solver), special-project work (40% of internship time), and wraparound supports such as housing, stipends, transit passes, food reimbursement, and AmeriCorps benefits. Programs include Semester in the City (SITC, Boston-based), Semester for Impact (SFI, near students' home campuses), and Gap Semester (for Opportunity Youth not currently enrolled in college).

Product overview

College for Social Innovation operates three interconnected semester programs: Semester in the City (SITC), a 15-week Boston-based experiential learning program; Semester for Impact (SFI), a locally-focused equivalent; and a Gap Semester option. All programs combine internships at social sector organizations with two mandatory courses—Social Innovator's Toolbox and Becoming a Problem Solver—alongside a Special Project component occupying 40% of work time. The organization also provides financial support through Changemaker Scholarships and AmeriCorps benefits. Programs are designed for youth aged 17-25 and include wraparound supports such as counseling, housing assistance, and mentorship.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Semester in the City (SITC): 15-week fully-credited fellowship program based in Boston providing undergraduate students hands-on internships in the social sector.
• Semester for Impact (SFI)
• Gap Semester
• Changemaker Scholarship

Products and services

• Semester in the City (SITC) A 15-week fully-credited fellowship program in Boston for undergraduate students that combines immersive social-sector internships, two required courses, special-project work, and wraparound supports (housing, transit pass, stipend, food reimbursement, AmeriCorps benefits).
• Semester for Impact (SFI) A 15-week fully-credited semester of experiential learning that places undergraduate students in social-sector internships within their local community near their partner college, providing the same structure as SITC but with local placements.
• Gap Semester An experiential learning program offering a pathway to social-sector exploration for young adults not currently enrolled in college, with 100% scholarship coverage available for low-income Opportunity Youth.

Quantifiable outcome

• 98% of students reported improved confidence in abilities to effect social change (n=200)
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered supporting, core and flagship.

• TELUSHealthsupportingTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2025Digital mental health and wellbeing partner providing students direct access to TELUSHealth platform during their time with CFSI and beyond. Students can access health and wellbeing resources through this software solution.
• National Taiwan UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024International partner institution sending students to CFSI programs. First cohort of nine NTU fellows participated in Spring 2024/Spring 2025. Includes special NTU Host Organization Requirements and NTU Student Support documentation.
• UVM (University of Vermont)flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024Major college partner where Semester for Impact is part of UVM's College of Arts and Sciences. Dean William Falls publicly endorses CFSI partnership. SFI program accelerated at UVM under Senior Director Alex Johnson's leadership.
• UNH (University of New Hampshire)flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024Major college partner for Semester for Impact program. Abigail Gilbert represents UNH's first SFI cohort interning at City of Dover. Program launched through UNH Sustainability Institute.
• Wheaton CollegeflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024College partner for Semester in the City. Multiple alumni featured including Agathe Mewhu (Watson Fellow), Maya Birks (Empower Schools/TWM), Emily Thomas, and Colin Loftus. Student stories regularly featured on Wheaton news.
• Clark UniversityflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024College partner for Semester in the City. Featured alumni include Linda Mindaye (first cohort member) and Sarah O'Brien (Leading Cities).
• Colby CollegecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024College partner for Semester in the City. Alumni Aicha Thiero graduated 2024 and works at Workday.
• AmeriCorpscoreOthers · 1 January 2015CFSI students become AmeriCorps quarter-time service members during the program. Each student receives a Segal Education Award (approximately $2,000) or equivalent CFSI Grant for non-citizens. CFSI receives AmeriCorps grant funding. Students gain access to Employers of National Service network.
• Fathers' UpliftcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Host organization for Semester in the City fellows. Former fellows (including Emma Chinman) have worked here as mentors for subsequent cohort members, creating a alumni-to-mentor pathway.
• 200+ Host OrganizationsflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Network of 200+ nonprofits, social mission businesses, and government agencies providing semester-long internships for CFSI Fellows. Includes organizations in criminal justice reform, education, environmental sustainability, gender equality, and more. Mentors provide guidance and capacity building.

Scale indicators14 records

Direct peers

• Year Up: Provides year-long workforce training + internship programs for young adults 18-24, with wraparound supports and strong employer outcomes. Comparable in target demographic, internship-based learning model, and career outcomes focus.
• Citizen Schools: Founded by CFSI's own co-founder Eric Schwarz, Citizen Schools runs apprenticeship and after-school programs for middle-schoolers. Most directly comparable in mission and founder DNA, though it serves a younger student population.
• Braven: Career-acceleration program for low-income and first-generation college students combining coursework, mentorship, and internship-linked career outcomes. Comparable in target student population and outcomes measurement approach.
• Bottom Line: College-success nonprofit providing one-on-one advising and career development for first-generation students from low-income backgrounds. Comparable in serving similar student demographics and Boston-area presence.
• America Needs You (ANY): Two-year mentoring and career-development program for first-generation college students focused on professional skills and networks. Comparable in mentorship-driven model and outcomes measurement.
• City Year: Eric Schwarz served as Vice President of City Year before CFSI. City Year runs AmeriCorps gap-year service programs for young adults — directly comparable in age cohort, AmeriCorps affiliation, and experiential learning model.
• Public Allies: AmeriCorps-affiliated service-year fellowship program for young adults placed at nonprofits. Directly comparable in AmeriCorps model, social-sector placement, and youth development focus.
• CAPA The Global Education Network: Runs credit-bearing study-and-intern-abroad programs with city-based immersive semesters. Comparable in credit-bearing city-immersive semester model combining academics + internship, though international in focus.
• The Posse Foundation: Leadership scholarship program sending diverse cohorts to top colleges with pre-enrollment training and ongoing support. Comparable in cohort-based model, focus on underserved students, and partner-college network.

Broad incumbents

• IES Abroad: Large established provider of study-abroad and internship programs. Comparable in credit-bearing experiential semester model with academic + work components, though broader scale and global focus.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@collegeforsocialinnovation3338
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/college-for-social-innovation
• Xx.com/CollegeforSI
• Facebookfacebook.com/collegeforsi

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about College for Social Innovation