Impact University: International Models

David Brooks

The Quality of Fear: What the Ebola Crisis Reveals About Culture >

Brooks, D. (2014-10-20, The New York Times): With the current Ebola virus outbreak, there has been much debate about people overreacting. It turns out that in today's segmented society, though, people are well-suited for contagions of hysteria and overreaction.

Economics

When Microcredit Won’t Do >

Rosenberg, T. (2011-01-31, The New York Times): Microcredit has had a significant impact on very poor people by allowing them to invest in things with the potential of gaining income in the future. Some companies, such as Soluciones Comunitarias, do not offer loans but instead use a different model -- consignment -- to improve the lives of the rural people of Guatemala.

Amanda Ripley

The Smartest Kids in the World and How They Got That Way >

Compared to other nations in the developed world, educational outcomes in the U.S. are troublingly poor. Ripley follows three American students abroad and attempts to identify the secret to success in education -- and the answer is surprisingly simple.

Health

The Way to Beat Poverty >

Kristof, N. (2014-09-12, The New York Times): Stress on a developing fetus and infant child contributes to deficits that last for decades to come. To break the cycle of poverty, intervene early while the brain is still developing and give parents the tools to nurture their child in infancy.

Economics

Equal Opportunity, Our National Myth >

Stiglitz, J. (2013-02-16, The New York Times): Many Americans believe we live in the land of opportunity, and an overwhelming number believe equality of opportunity is pivotal. The bitter irony is that today the U.S. lags far behind the developed world when it comes to equality of opportunity.

Impact America is an AmeriCorps Program.