Service Learning Trip

Discovering Social Impact in Careers (DSIC) - U.S.A.

Program Schedule
8 - 15 Aug 2025
San Francisco & Silicon Valley, California, USA
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Apply by 11 May 2025 11:59pm
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UN Sustainable Development Goals
HKUST CONNECT SDG GOALS
Discovering Social Impact in Careers (DSIC)

Offered by VIA 

Are you passionate about creating positive social change? This transformative 8-day program is your opportunity to explore how you can align your career with impactful solutions to global challenges.

Bringing together a diverse group of people from across Asia and the US, the program immerses participants in the tools, frameworks, and networks needed to drive social impact. Anchored in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the program offers interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and leadership coaching to empower you to align your careers with impactful solutions to global challenges. Through activities like the SDGs Game and hands-on workshops, you will gain actionable tools to design your career paths with purpose. You will also have the opportunity to share your project/initiative through in-person networking events. The program culminates with a TEDx-like presentation, where you will share your vision for creating social impact.

Whether you’re looking to connect with passionate leaders, or refine your purpose, this program provides the skills and connections to transform your ideas into action!

For more details and sample program schedule, please visit the website or flyer of the DSIC Program.

Hands-on Learning, Expanded Network, Innovation in Action, Personal Growth

Participants sharing ideas on the community
Participants sharing ideas on the community
Playing games to know each other
Playing games to know each other
Visiting innovative organization
Visiting innovative organization
Visiting Stanford University
Visiting Stanford University
Application Procedures

Round 1 Application Timeline (US Dates)

Application Deadline: 11 May 2025

  • 1-Day Challenge: 16 May PM (US Time) / 17 May AM (Asia Time)
  • Interview Period: 19 - 22 May
  • Results: 23 May
  • Participation Confirmation: 31 May

Round 2 Application Timeline (US Dates)

Application Deadline: 8 Jun 2025

  • Interview Period: 16 - 19 Jun
  • Results: 20 Jun
  • Participation Confirmation: 27 Jun
Program Fee & Subsidies

US$2,800, which covers:

  • Accommodation
  • Most scheduled activities and transportation for program activities
  • Breakfasts
  • Welcome lunch & farewell dinner
  • 24-hour-on-site staff support

The program fee does NOT cover airfare, passport/visa/ESTA application fee, daily meals, optional activities, personal shopping expenses, and travel insurance (approx. US$2,720 in total). All participants are REQUIRED to purchase travel insurance before participating in the program. Participants will also be responsible for any medical testing, care, or additional travel costs associated with COVID infection and treatment.

Subsidies

  1. Students may apply Connect Overseas Learning Experience Sponsorship Scheme to receive subsidy to cover part of the program fee. Additional consideration will be given to those with financial need.

  2. VIA offers a Social Impact-Driven Career 1-Day Challenge for individuals looking to clarify their values, define their purpose, and align their career paths with meaningful impact. This challenge also serves as the eligibility requirement for a limited number of program fee reductions (US$500). For more details, please visit the program website and see the Application Content section in the Participation Details tab.