J-Term Spotlight: Turning Ideas into Impact

January 30, 2025 marked an inspiring conclusion to NCSSM’s J-Term course, Starting a Non-Profit, as students from both the Durham and Morganton campuses took center stage in the Watts building to present their visions for meaningful social change. Over eight days, students immersed themselves in the fundamentals of nonprofit organizations—learning what it takes to transform passion into sustainable impact.

From food insecurity to sickle cell anemia advocacy, immigrant support networks to maternal health initiatives, the projects addressed a diverse array of pressing community challenges. Each team crafted detailed proposals with mission statements, funding strategies, and theories of change, culminating in compelling presentations to a panel of experienced leaders, including tech entrepreneur Joe Colopy, who funds the Entrepreneurship Program at NCSSM; NC IDEA’s Carlo Diy, a nonprofit development expert; and Haley Ast, program officer for K-12 education at Stand Together Trust.

Panelists shared with students candid insights on scalability, budgeting, and staying laser-focused on an idea—critical challenges every aspiring nonprofit must navigate. Their feedback transformed the experience into an interactive learning moment, pushing students to think beyond the classroom and engage with the realities of social entrepreneurship.

Given the limited time students had to construct an entire nonprofit framework, their commitment to tackling real-world problems was nothing short of remarkable. They demonstrated a deep sense of responsibility to leverage their education for the greater good—a level of thoughtfulness that left a lasting impression on panelists and spectators alike.

Thursday’s session was more than just a class presentation; it was a powerful glimpse into the future of social entrepreneurship at NCSSM. If this is what students can accomplish in just eight days, imagine the profound impact they could make with a full semester to refine and launch their initiatives. NCSSM has long championed unique, hands-on learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom, and these students have proven that when tasked with creating social good, they rise to the occasion with passion, ingenuity, and determination.