Stanford Impact Leader Prizes

The Stanford Impact Leader prizes support graduating students who are choosing social or environmental impact career paths.

The $20,000 SIL prize is awarded to one to five outstanding graduating Stanford GSB students who are committed to joining an existing high-impact organization in the next chapter of their careers.

SIL Prize Benefits

  • A high visibility $20,000 prize available before graduation
  • Participation in a community of Stanford GSB social innovators
  • Loan forgiveness when eligible through the Stanford GSB Financial Aid program

Who Can Apply?

  • Second-year MBA and MSx students graduating in Fall 2022, or the Winter, Spring, or Summer of 2023.
  • Students committed to focusing on social or environmental impact in the next phase of their careers, regardless of sector. Proof of employment or relevant activity is required after graduation.
  • Winning the SIL Prize excludes students from competing for the Stanford Impact Founder Fellowship or receiving the Henry Ford II Scholar award.

Selection Criteria

Recipients are selected by a committee of social innovation leaders. The committee considers the following criteria:

  • Alignment of career plans with social and environmental impact
  • Demonstrated knowledge of a problem space and approaches to innovative solutions
  • Leadership potential to drive potential positive change post-graduation

The Prize Winners

Professor & Dean Emeritus

Arjay Miller, the school’s fourth dean, who described himself as “just an old bookkeeper,” led Stanford Graduate School of Business into the top ranks of management education institutions, expanded its endowment, and created the often-copied Public Management Program.