San Francisco, California, one of the most innovative and economically diverse cities in the world, is a hub of culture, technology, and activism. Nestled in the heart of the Bay Area, the city provides an ideal setting for students to explore real-world social challenges, work with community organizations, and apply their academic knowledge to create meaningful change.
Lehigh’s Western Regional Office is a key partner in the Silicon Valley Social Impact Fellowship (SVSIF), supporting student teams through strategic connections, regional engagement, and on-the-ground logistics. The fellowship addresses critical challenges in equity, public health, youth empowerment, and well-being.
From May 18 to June 1, 22 students and four project mentors from Lehigh University are in San Francisco for SVSIF fieldwork. Over the course of two weeks, students will connect with local partners, gather field insights, and deepen their understanding of systemic challenges facing underserved communities in the Bay Area.
The five project teams will collaborate with a range of nonprofits, public agencies, and social enterprises to co-create solutions that support more inclusive and resilient communities. SVSIF students come from diverse academic backgrounds and are united by a shared commitment to using interdisciplinary research and design for social good.
The projects include:
SF Food Connect, mentored by Bill Whitney, assistant vice provost for Experiential Learning Program: Bridging gaps in food access and nutrition through innovative, community-informed solutions.
Empowering Underserved Youth through Vocational Entrepreneurship Training, mentored by Samantha Dewalt, managing director at Lehigh@NasdaqCenter and Willy Das, senior research scientist at Lehigh@NasdaqCenter: Creating pathways to self-sufficiency and purpose for young people through hands-on training and mentorship.
Uninsured and the Healthcare Safety Net, mentored by Michael Gusmano, professor of population health: Investigating policy gaps and frontline innovations in care access for the uninsured.
Creating Harmony in the Hustle mentored by Willy Das, senior research scientist at Lehigh@NasdaqCenter: Redefining work-life balance and mental health strategies for purpose-driven professionals.
Fostering New Futures mentored by Bill Whitney, assistant vice provost for Experiential Learning Program: Connecting foster youth with community-building projects that support stability and growth.
Wendy Fong, Director of Industry Engagement at Lehigh's Western Regional Office, shares her enthusiasm: "Thrilled to welcome this year’s five Creative Inquiry teams to Silicon Valley!” She says. “Each group brings bold ideas and deep purpose—from reimagining food access to empowering youth and redefining well-being. We can't wait to see their impact unfold during fieldwork!"
Grace Salembier '28, a community and global health major on the Uninsured and the Healthcare Safety Net team, says the fieldwork is a chance to connect theory with lived experience.
“I'm excited to finally meet the community leaders and stakeholders we've been learning from and talking with all semester. We'll get to hear their stories firsthand, understand the impact of their work, and share insights from our research on healthcare access”
Field updates, reflections, and highlights will be shared after the fieldwork concludes. Stay tuned for insights as students reflect on their experiences, share lessons learned, and showcase the impact of their work in communities across the Bay Area.