SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP: A MODEL REDEFINED BY UNDERGRADUATE PHENOMENA AND THE PENN STATE DANCE MARATHON
Open Access
- Author:
- McCready, Curran Shields
- Area of Honors:
- Finance
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- James Alan Miles, Thesis Supervisor
James Alan Miles, Thesis Honors Advisor
Michelle Lowry, Faculty Reader
James Alan Miles, Thesis Supervisor - Keywords:
- social entrepreneurship
THON
Penn State Dance Marathon - Abstract:
- Many understand the concept of entrepreneurship, a venture undertaken by an individual, the entrepreneur, to enhance a process through determination and innovation all while turning a profit. Many are also very well versed in the importance of social responsibility, a new age concept dear to the hearts of Generation Y. An idea that is now gaining attention to many around the world is a concept combining the principals of both, a concept known as social entrepreneurship. This idea has become wildly popular as a professional venture, professional in the sense that the even though the venture may be not-for-profit, individuals are still benefiting monetarily from the venture. However, there is little research supporting the potential for a social venture to exist in a world populated entirely of volunteers – American undergraduate universities. This thesis will look to explore the methods and definitions of current social enterprises that exist in today’s global society. It will then analyze the challenges, discrepancies, and positives of these practices and look to enhance the concept of social entrepreneurship. By analyzing the ability of America’s undergraduate youth, a new notion of social entrepreneurship will become apparent through application of the Penn State Dance Marathon. This new notion will shed light on an underdeveloped area and lay claim to the important role that universities and their students can play in creating social change in the United States and the world, much like the work that has been done through the Penn State Dance Marathon.