Wilmette Institute is guided by a commitment to learning, action, and meaningful contributions to society’s conversations on social transformation. Inspired by the Bahá’í teachings and grounded in principles of justice and unity, we continue to refine our mission:
To equip higher education learners with the capacity to contribute to social transformation and public discourse through distinctive non-degree certificate programs grounded in an evolving Bahá’í framework for collective learning.
This mission invites us to explore how higher education can serve as a means for community building, constructive dialogue, and transformative action.
Centering Practice and Participation
A key expression of our work is the graduate-level Certificate Program in Social Transformation. Built around four core areas—race unity, education, environmental stewardship, and social change—this program invites learners to engage with some of today’s most urgent challenges. These themes are entry points for meaningful social participation.
We are now designing a corresponding undergraduate-level certificate. Its components are being piloted through our “Connecting for Change – A Learning Series,” as we gradually expand our reach and deepen long-term impact.
Building Relationships for Collective Growth
While continuing to serve the public through our online platform, we are also forming partnerships with institutions of higher learning, such as North Carolina Central University. We envision co-creating educational experiences that are both spiritually coherent and action-oriented at more universities.
In keeping with our evolving focus, we have entrusted most of our legacy extension courses to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States. Our Science and Religion course remains part of our academic vision.
Education that Connects Thought and Action
At the Wilmette Institute, education is participatory and dynamic. Our curriculum fosters both intellectual rigor and spiritual perception. We select course materials—scholarly articles, podcasts, and multimedia—from diverse and often underrepresented voices to amplify a wide range of perspectives.
Each course includes a project-based component grounded in real-world engagement. Students often collaborate with local organizations, reflect on shared experiences, and apply insights from their learning. These efforts culminate in presentations and reflection, allowing participants to integrate theory and action while contributing to conversations in various spaces.
We’ve been encouraged by our students’ enthusiasm and the insights that have emerged. In two years, 40 students have completed 83 courses, with 13 earning the graduate certificate.
Stay tuned to our Newsletter for more information about programs, partnerships, and approaches, and to spread the word among youth in your community.
