Professional schools are increasingly emphasizing pro bono work, according to a report recently released by the Taproot Foundation.  Students in architecture, design, business and law are pushing for socially conscious careers, fed by baby boomer teachers and practitioners who are promoting the educational importance of volunteer work, which has created more opportunities for pro bono work for students in professional programs.

The Taproot Foundation is a nonprofit organization inspiring and enabling companies, professional services firms, professional schools and trade associations to develop world-class pro bono programs. Their study found that the practice of pro bono work is expanding in professional schools, but more needs to be done to encourage this trend. Although different professions don’t approach the field in the same way, pro bono provides the same benefits to all professional students; enhancing skills, building relationships, personal fulfillment and making education more engaging.  And when professionals begin pro bono work in school they are more likely to continue that work into their careers, prioritize the importance of community involvement and begin to change the identity of the profession.  However, more structured support systems, additional financial resources and stronger connection to curriculums are needed.

The report highlights Auburn University’s well-regarded Rural Studio, created in 1993. Rural Studio takes architecture students to live and design homes for families in poor, rural Hale County, Alabama.

The Collaborative is pleased to see pro bono work becoming a larger part of professional schools and practice.

Read the Taproot Foundation report: Pro Bono: An Emerging Trend in American Professional Schools.