The initiative offers MBA students the opportunity to join the management boards of non-profit organizations for six months
Porto Business School has just announced the launch of the “PBS Board Fellows”, an innovative initiative that offers the school’s MBA students the exclusive opportunity to actively participate in the management boards of local non-profit organizations. The program, which will start in September, aims to bridge the gap between academia and the social sector, promote students' civic engagement, and contribute to community well-being, thereby strengthening the business school’s commitment to social responsibility and corporate citizenship.
As part of the “PBS Board Fellows” program, student “fellows” will join the board of a non-profit organization as non-executive members without voting rights. Students will participate in monthly meetings and undertake a project within the board they join. With the support of a mentor from the respective organization, they will be able to contribute to the development and success of these organizations and the communities they serve.
José Esteves, dean of Porto Business School, states: “The ‘PBS Board Fellows’ program offers a unique opportunity for our MBA students to gain experience in board-level decision-making, mentoring, and project experience, thus strengthening their leadership skills and contributing to a more resilient and inclusive community ecosystem.”
The program is a collaboration between Porto Business School and non-profit organizations such as Palhaços d’Opital and Encontrar+se. Non-profit organizations wishing to join the “PBS Board Fellows” must meet the following criteria: have an established and permanent board of directors; have at least one full-time paid team member; hold monthly or bimonthly meetings; have been in operation for at least one year; and be able to accommodate up to two students selected as “board fellows.” It should also be noted that for students applying to this program, participation will count as an elective course.
