Organizational Engagement Projects
Collaboratively Increasing Organizational Capacity
A cornerstone of the minor in science and patient advocacy is the opportunity to provide students with experiential learning opportunities. In the #RAREis Immersion Course, students collaborate with a patient advocacy organization for the semester to complete a project (or several) that foster real-world experience for students while supporting the vital work of our collaborating organizational partners.
What is the #RAREis Advocacy Immersion Course?
Through this course, students collaborate with nonprofit organizations to tackle real-world challenges. Over a semester, student teams work closely with organizational leaders, applying classroom knowledge to support the mission and increase the capacity of the organization. Whether it’s assisting with advocacy campaigns, conducting research, or supporting program development, these partnerships provide invaluable learning opportunities while making a meaningful impact. We are grateful to the #RAREis team (a program by Amgen) for helping brainstorm the framework for the course and develop connections to organizational partners.
Benefits for Organizations:
- Expanded capacity: By partnering with students, organizations gain fresh perspectives and additional staff capacity to support their ongoing initiatives.
- Innovative solutions: Student teams often bring fresh perspective and creative ideas that may help organizations approach challenges from new angles.
- Investment in future advocates: Our partners have the chance to shape the next generation of patient advocates, healthcare providers, researchers, and nonprofit professionals by mentoring students who are passionate about rare diseases.
Benefits for Students:
- Hands-on experience: Students gain practical experience by working on real projects, enhancing their understanding of nonprofit operations, project management, and hands-on advocacy.
- Mentorship and guidance: Organizational partners serve as mentors, providing insights into the real world of patient advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement.
- Professional development: Through this experience, students build skills, expand their networks, and enhance their resumes with impactful, real-world experience. We think of this as an in-class internship!
Past Patient Advocacy Organization Partners
Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance
Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research
We invite patient advocacy organizations who are interested in exploring a semester-long course partnership to reach out to the Patient Advocacy Initiative staff.