Abstract
This article details the curricular structure and results of a course in nonprofit board governance. Over the six years that the course has been offered, the dual campus/town course structure – placing advanced students on nonprofit boards for the entire academic year while requiring them to complete in-class learning – has proven valuable for the students as well as the host nonprofits. Due to the variety of nonprofit hosts, some students are involved with near-failing nonprofits, while others serve on the boards of highly effective organizations. Because students share details of their experiences with others in the classroom, all students may learn from the wide range of operations observed. Students complete surprisingly important projects for their host organization boards. The curricular model is easily replicable elsewhere, but students should have substantial nonprofit academic or professional experience to facilitate the best outcomes. We contrast this board governance service model to other courses and board fellows programs found nationally.
