Net Impact's History

Originated as Students for Responsible Business (SRB), Net Impact was established in the summer of 1993 when seventeen MBAs met in Santa Barbara to talk about building a network of like-minded business students. They sought a management education to further their interests in balancing a healthy economy with viable communities and a sustainable environment. Sponsored by the Social Venture Network, these students participated in the first Summer Internship Program. They were matched with socially responsible companies for ten weeks where they learned to integrate their business skills and the principles of responsible business in the workplace.

By the end of the summer, the interns were so inspired by their experiences and by meeting other MBAs who shared their same commitment that they sought to create an organization that would perpetuate and extend this community. Their goal was to provide other students with the support and resources to bring ideas of responsible business to their campuses.

The first Annual Conference was held in October of 1993 at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. It drew more than 100 students from around the country, all through word-of-mouth and last minute faxes. The organizers used speakers and workshops as a forum to discuss these ideas as well as provide students with the knowledge to push for change in their business school education. Yet this was only the beginning…

Today, in addition to the internship listings and the Annual Conference, Net Impact offers a suite of services to help MBAs and professionals reach their goals