Core Values

Leadership
We recognize that today’s students have the potential to be leaders, not just in the future, but now. 

Empathy
We seek to understand others and do so by working to abandon our assumptions and participating in honest open dialogue.
 
Community
We are committed to supporting all members of our community in reaching their greatest potential. 

Innovation
We keep a pulse on emerging practices and trends and believe in pursuing new creative ideas that have the potential to change the world.
“The Hockaday Institute for Social Impact is an important pillar in our community, educating students today in the ways they can lead now and inspiring them to do so in the future, no matter their professions. Students have the opportunity to pursue ideas that change the way our communities work—for the better."

- Jennifer Sampson, McDermott-Templeton President and CEO of United Way

The Hockaday Institute for Social Impact represents a distinctive and innovative approach among K-12 schools, using the power of engaged, hands-on learning to prepare students for leadership in their communities, workplaces, and society. Through both new and longstanding partnerships with Dallas-area organizations, the Institute allows students to engage with diverse partners, learn from civic leaders, tackle projects with community impact, and put their creative ideas into action for lasting social benefit.

Click here to read our Hockaday Magazine Social Impact issue

Click here for a video on Upper School Social Impact
Hockaday launched the Institute for Social Impact in 2018 to organize its community engagement work for greater impact and to make a statement about the importance of this concept as part of an effective education in the 21st century.

Led by Executive Director Laura Day, a recognized leader in the community service landscape in Dallas and nationally, the Institute is a distinctive approach among independent schools across the country. It allows Hockaday to extend our reach, increasing opportunities for collaboration with non-profit entities, businesses and other Dallas-based community organizations. Through a carefully designed set of real-world projects and experiences, Hockaday students have the chance to test what they are learning in the classroom, tackle tough problems, learn to work in teams, cultivate empathy and respect for others with different backgrounds and expertise, build character and confidence, and explore their purpose in the world.

Social Impact Stories

List of 3 news stories.

  • Putting Social Mission First

    Students in Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Economics and Social Entrepreneurship, a Social Impact-designated class, visited Howdy Homemade Ice Cream recently to hear from founder Tom Landis. 
  • Senior Named Prudential Emerging Visionary

    Zoya Haq (Class of 2023) was named a Prudential Emerging Visionary, one of only 25 students nationwide recognized for their inspiring commitment to improving the lives of others.
  • Impact-a-thon

    In January, Middle and Upper School students participated in an Impact-a-Thon. 
View All News

Outcomes

Building Empathy

Advocacy Skills

Real World Experiences

Designing Solutions

Exploring Purpose
My work with the Institute has helped me to build confidence not only in myself, but in what I put forth into the world: my work, my thoughts, and my actions.

- Zoya Haq (Class of 2023)






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