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.

List of 1 items.

List of 1 items.

  • Laura Laywell

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

Learn More

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

From Our Community

Social Impact in Action

List of 4 news stories.

  • Math + Impact

    Lower School students held a post-Halloween candy drive and donated extra candy
    Read More

  • Young Authors

    Mimi D. (Class of 2026) created her Social Impact club, Young Authors, after working as a Writing Center intern. 
    Read More

  • Middle School Financial Literacy

    Upper School students in the Financial Literacy & Economic Concepts class recently met with Middle School students who are preparing for the Middle School Bazaar to talk about how to find a unique value proposition, how to figure out a price point, and how to break even or make a profit. 
    Read More

  • Creating Dye From Discards

    Lower School art students worked with SAGE, Hockaday’s food provider, to salvage vegetable skins and peels for art projects. 
    Read More

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.