The Hockaday Experience

Institute for Social Impact

Finding Purpose

The Dr. William B. Dean 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.

Greater Impact

Hockaday launched The Dr. William B. Dean 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 Laura Day, a recognized leader in the community service landscape in Dallas and nationally, the Institute is a distinctive approach among independent schools nationwide. 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.

Outcomes

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

  • Advocacy Skills

    Advocacy skills are the tools we equip our students with. It's about teaching them to articulate their beliefs, champion causes they are passionate about, and create positive change through persuasive communication. We nurture adept advocates for their community.

  • Empathy

    Empathy is the heart of our program. It's about fostering a deep understanding and genuine care for the diverse perspectives and experiences of others. We believe that by connecting on a human level, we can drive positive change in our communities and beyond.

  • Purpose

    Purpose is the driving force behind our program. It's the clarity and determination to find one's unique role in addressing societal challenges and what a student values. Our goal is to help students discover their passions and connect them to a profound sense of purpose, empowering them to make a lasting impact.

  • Real-World Experience

    We firmly believe that the best learning happens beyond the classroom. Through internships, community service, and hands-on projects, we provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience, preparing them for life's challenges.

  • Designing Solutions

    The program is about fostering critical and creative thinking. We empower students to analyze complex problems, develop innovative solutions, and turn their ideas into impactful initiatives that address pressing social issues. It's about translating vision into action.

Core Values

  • Leadership Leadership
    We recognize that today’s students have the potential to be leaders, not just in the future, but now.
  • Innovation Innovation
    We keep a pulse on emerging practices and trends and believe in pursuing new creative ideas that can change the world.
  • Empathy Empathy
    We seek to understand others and do so by working to abandon our assumptions and participating in honest open dialogue.
  • Community Community
    We are committed to supporting all members of our community in reaching their greatest potential.

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List of 1 items.

  • Melanie Robinson

    Director, The Dr. William B. Dean Institute for Social Impact

Learn More

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

  • Social Impact Lab

    BRAND NEW! REGISTER TODAY!
    SOCIAL IMPACT LAB: HOW TO BUILD IT
    October 22 and 23, 2026
    Participant Fee: $875
     
     
    The Social Impact Lab: How to Build It is an immersive one-and-a-half-day experience for educators and school leaders ready to bring purpose-driven-real world applicable learning to their communities. Spend time in our classrooms, meet the students and teachers at the heart of our program, and hear directly from the team (led by Laura Day) that built it — over 15 years — into one of the most distinctive social impact programs in K–12 education. You'll leave with a clear framework, real examples, and tangible next steps for your own school. Space is limited. Come ready to be inspired — and to build.

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    THE 2027 SOCIAL IMPACT LAB: EXPERIENCE IT
     
    February 18 and 19, 2027
    Participant Fee: $495
    Register Today! Space is Limited!
    Please limit registrations to a maximum of 3 participants per School.
     
    Our signature Social Impact Lab experience now offers three distinct tracks to better meet your goals:
    1. Classroom Educators (Lower, Middle, or Upper School)
    2.  Students (must attend with an adult chaperone)
    3. General (administrators or those seeking a comprehensive overview)
     
    This structure allows you to focus on the areas of greatest impact for your campus while still engaging with the full scope of the program. Over the course of this 1.5-day immersive experience, you will step into a day in the life of the Social Impact Lab by visiting classes, connecting with students and teachers, and participating in co-curricular programming alongside like-minded educators from across the country. Designed to be both meaningful and practical, the experience will leave you with tangible strategies and actionable takeaways to bring back to your school. 

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    THE SOCIAL IMPACT LAB: CURRICULUM INTENSIVE
    June 22 and 23, 2027
    Participant Fee: $875

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
     
    This two-day workshop led by exemplar Hockaday educators will prepare you to build a social impact course rooted in values and objectives, featuring innovative experiences, academic rigor, and dynamic teaching tools to help you and your students connect their learning in a meaningful way to their community. Workshop experiences will include:
    • Biology, Impact and the Zoo led by Brandi Finazzo
    • Disability Pride and Literature led by Dr. Claire Cothren
    • Seventh Grade Science led by Mackenzie Miller
    • Eighth Grade English led by Dr. Lauren Miskin
    • Fourth Grade CCI (Collaborate, Create, Innovate) led by Amy Banks
    • Third Grade Science and Social Impact led by Paloma Gracia

  • Contact Us

    Laura Day
    Director of Innovation and Collaboration

    214-360-6555
    lday@hockaday.org
    Learn more about Laura


    Melanie Robinson
    Director of the Institute for Social Impact

    mrobinson@hockaday.org

From Our Community

Social Impact in Action

List of 4 news stories.

Take The Next Step

Just as we encourage our girls to be curious and engage in the process of discovery, we encourage and invite you to visit our campus and experience a day at Hockaday.

The Hockaday School

11600 Welch Road
Dallas, TX 75229
(214) 363-6311
Within the private school community, The Hockaday School is an independent college-preparatory day school for girls from grades PK–12 located in Dallas, Texas. Students realize their limitless potential through challenging academic curricula, arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs so that they are inspired to lead lives of purpose and impact.

The Hockaday School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational, admissions, financial aid, athletic, and other policies and programs.