Get Experience. Be Career-Ready.
Curious what your future could look like? Here’s your chance to get a head start that’s both hands-on and high-impact.
Explore the Institutes at Furman: these four institutes connect you with faculty, community leaders, and industry experts who work alongside you on real challenges in sustainability, politics, public health and innovation.
Through research, mentoring and immersive projects, you’ll build experience, expand your network, and step confidently into your career.
These institutes are your launchpad for regional and national impact. Each runs its own programs and initiatives, brings thousands of community members to campus each year, and connects students with leaders across the globe.
SHI INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
The Shi Institute brings together students, faculty, and community partners to advance sustainable, equitable communities across the Southeast.
- Conducts hands-on research and data analysis to address community sustainability needs, like energy use, transportation, and resilience
- Engages undergraduates in leadership training and fellowships through its Sustainability Leadership Initiative
- Operates from a LEED-certified, net-zero Living Building and partners on regional projects, such as weatherizing homes to boost energy efficiency
Key Opportunity for Students: Join the Community Conservation Corps and work directly with Greenville neighborhoods to reduce energy consumption and promote sustainable housing.
Recent Project Highlight: A student-led effort with Habitat for Humanity and Greenville County cut home energy use by 20%, saving families around $300 annually.
Student Quote: “Covering everything from data collection to real-world solutions, SLI helped me translate classroom theory into real change.” – Anna DeMino ’26
THE RICHARD W. RILEY INSTITUTE (Policy & Leadership)
The Riley Institute develops inclusive leaders and drives social and economic progress across South Carolina through student-led initiatives, public education, and community partnership.
What the institute does:
- Cultivates leadership and dialogue through the Diversity Leaders Initiative, helping students and community members lead and learn across sectors
- Builds policy understanding and civic engagement via the Center for Public Education, bringing advocates, experts, and learners together
- Hosts statewide events that elevate voices from alumni, public officials, academics, and activists to address regional challenges
Key Opportunity for Students: RISE TO YOUR POTENTIAL. Join RISE (Riley Institute Summer Experience) to engage in community project design, leadership workshops, and civic networking.
Recent Project Highlight: Riley Fellows launched over 300 community-action projects, from summer camps to public health efforts, empowering students and local leaders to create meaningful change.
Student Quote: “RISE gave me a seat at the table—leadership training, real connections, and the tools to make things happen.” — Riley Fellow, Class of ’24
INSTITUTE FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH
The Institute for the Advancement of Community Health brings students, faculty, and community partners together to improve health equity, access, and education across Greenville and beyond.
What the institute does:
- Connects students with community-based research and healthcare internships through partnerships with Prisma Health, Legal Services, and local nonprofits
- Hosts public forums, workshops, and health campaigns designed to inform, engage, and support residents
- Develops students as Community Health Champions, preparing them to lead outreach efforts, policy conversations, and wellness initiatives
Key Opportunity for Students: Participate in a summer internship or capstone project with IACH, working directly with organizations like the Upstate Medical–Legal Partnership and Prisma Health.
Recent Project Highlight: IACH Fellows and interns partnered with Prisma Health and South Carolina Legal Services to explore how medical-legal integration addresses home health hazards (like mold) to protect public health.
Student Quote: “Working with IACH as part of my public‑health capstone gave me real-world experience and helped launch a career path I love.” — Hannah McKinnon ’20
THE HILL INSTITUTE FOR INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
The Hill Institute empowers students to turn ideas into action through hands-on entrepreneurial programs, startup support, and direct access to Greenville’s thriving innovation network.
What the institute does:
- Offers hands-on venture development through GVL Starts, a 10-week program where students develop real startups, and are mentored by local founders, coaches, and investors.
- Hosts Furman’s Next Big Idea and the Paladin Pitch Competition, where students pitch concepts for seed funding and real-world feedback.
- Builds bridges between campus and community through events like Advantage Greenville, featuring panels with entrepreneurs, CEOs, and changemakers shaping the region’s future.
Key Opportunity for Students: Refine your own venture or innovation. Apply to GVL·Starts and gain mentoring, design coaching, and access to Greenville’s startup ecosystem.
Recent Project Highlight: Furman students pitched in Furman’s Next Big Idea, competing for grant funding to address community challenges through creative, sustainable solutions.
Student Quote: “The Hill Institute gave me space and support to launch a startup while still in college—GVL·Starts mentors helped me go from idea to launch.” — Senior Startup Founder
Support Furman's Institutes
Furman’s Institutes are the cornerstone of The Furman Advantage and bring engaged learning opportunities to students. This work is only possible with the financial support of alumni and Friends of Furman. A gift of any size has an immediate impact on our students and prepares them for a world where their possibilities are limitless.