The Innovation Institute rooted in the belief that every community has assets and every person has skills that can be leveraged to stimulate sustainable development initiatives. Ultimately social entrepreneurship and a deep understanding of consumer preferences can stimulate economic growth in the communities where we work.  Over the course of a summer, American students  known on the Institute as "scholars"  live in rural communities, learning about social entrepreneurship and new thinking through intensive qualitative research and exploration. The Innovation Institute is based on values of empathy, curiosity and open-mindedness, and relies on strong cross-cultural relationships to unleash the potential for social change. Ultimately, scholars and community members test new products and services that may be sold through social enterprises, which are managed and sustained locally. Through the institute, community members experience a mind shift, moving from a self-identity of dependence and deficiencies to one of innovation and self-sufficiency.