Watson Institute at Lynn University
Lynn University Incorporates Social Impact and Entrepreneurship
By Eliana Nunez, Staff Writer
The Watson Institute is a social entrepreneurship program at Lynn University that motivates the
next generation of changemakers to solve challenging global issues as deemed pertinent by the
United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
The program is a partnership designed to equip students with the necessary tools to make an
impact on the world. With its original campus in Boulder, Colorado, the institute found its
second home at Lynn due to the university’s reputation for innovation, diversity and it’s
approach to intellectual exploration through dialogue and experience, which lead to
transformative conversations and a focus on pressing global discussions.
By offering a unique mentorship program, competitive internship opportunities and a
transformative impact series with professionals as instructors each week, students are exposed to
both theoretical and practical knowledge first-hand.
“I had the opportunity to meet with the founder of the Watson Institute, and he gave me the best
advice,” said Mykel Bailey, a sophomore. “It is something that I think about every day.”
In Watson’s mentor program, students who arrive to Watson from all over the world and the
United States are paired with active entrepreneurs matched to their interest in social impact. With
the internship program, students can experience hands-on work in their preferred area of interest.
Watson also helps students develop soft skills for the real world.
“It has shown me that impact is possible in a small community and that little things matter,” said
Katelyn Babinksy, a sophomore.
The Watson Institute at Lynn created a very welcoming and diverse environment for eager
entrepreneurs. Students within Watson must periodically create a student-led activity (SLA),
which is a lesson about a topic of their choice that they use to engage with their peers from
around campus.
“Watson is a creative playground for entrepreneurs to bump ideas off each other; it is really rich
with opportunities and [you] get real hands-on experience on how to start a business,” said
Bailey.
Lynn is a small campus but with a mighty community and a diverse environment of learners and
changemakers. Watson is just one of the many examples of educational excellence and
opportunity at the university.
