Furman’s community impact by the numbers
Driving innovation from the inside out
Read about the transformative partnerships between organizations and the Furman Innovation Lab that turn ideas into impact. Explore real stories of collaboration, creativity, proposed solutions, and measurable outcomes that illustrate what’s possible when innovation meets purpose.
Explore Success StoriesReal voices from the Furman community
Furman’s impact comes to life through the efforts and achievements of our students, alumni, and community partners. Explore stories that show how learning here translates into stronger neighborhoods, improved community health, sustainable practices, and positive civic change.
Key community impact issues
Key issues facing our community in Greenville—sustainability, community health, entrepreneurship, and applied public policy—are central to the work of Furman’s Institutes and our collaborations throughout Greenville and our region.
Answering our call to act as responsible stewards of our planet means focusing on sustainability as a community and campus initiative. At Furman, we drive innovative research and leadership in sustainability through advancing campus sustainability goals, exploring human impacts on the land in our town and region, and driving new conversations on sustainable practices.
Fostering thriving communities compels us to advocate for the collective health of our community in Greenville. At Furman, we lead the conversation on community health by investing in community engagement, driving grant-based research, and exploring the social drivers that shape health outcomes in our city and beyond.
Nurturing our city, region, state, and citizens drives community-led change to meet the challenges of a complex and rapidly changing world. Economic mobility in our area is tied to the ecosystem of entrepreneurship and innovation being built every day through partnerships between Furman and our community.
Our mission to advance thriving communities inspires us to strengthen public education; promote the power of diversity to help teams, organizations, and communities thrive; and elevate informed, evidence-based approaches to critical public issues.
Our model for community impact
Furman’s institutes lead the way by convening conversations with purpose, developing and partnering on research efforts, and engaging students and citizens in work that makes a difference in our communities
Academic and applied learning
Our offerings pair rigorous academics with hands-on experiences, ensuring knowledge gained in the classroom is immediately relevant and actionable.
Community-first design
Programs are shaped through collaboration with local and regional partners to address complex challenges and create lasting change.
Scalable for individuals and organizations
Our offerings range from short courses and pathways to graduate certificates and/or master’s degrees, meeting learners where they are.
Responsive to regional needs
Our programs—including the Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI) , Community Health Conversations , Sustainability Leadership Initiative (SLI) , Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) , and GVL Starts—are designed to address the unique social, economic, and industry needs of our partners while preparing leaders for global impact.
Get involved: upcoming events
Join the Furman Innovation Lab community. From courses and forums to networking events and community projects, there are always opportunities to connect, collaborate, and spark new ideas.
Spring 2026 Women’s Leadership Initiative
January 23, 2026 @ 8:30 am – May 8, 2026 @ 4:30 pmProfessional Certificate in Corporate Entrepreneurship 2026
February 13, 2026 @ 8:30 am – June 10, 2026 @ 4:30 pmFoundations of Leadership
March 13, 2026 @ 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Join the mission
Are you ready to make an impact? At Furman Innovation Lab, our mission is simple but powerful: to create immersive learning experiences where creativity meets action, equipping people and organizations to transform ideas into solutions that support communities.
Whether you’re an individual seeking to advance your career or an organization looking to drive meaningful change, Furman offers numerous learning pathways to develop specialized skills and build lasting impact where it matters most.