Educators and changemakers from around the world gather at Grinnell College to explore complexity, collaboration, and new approaches to systems change.

These student leaders offer meaningful perspectives on community engagement, showcasing their lived experience, their academic interests, and their identities in the work of strengthening community through service, leadership, and collaboration.

Student Estella Newton ’26 recently stepped forward to support local families by organizing a community food drive as part of Iowa Sen. Zach Wahls’ Iowa Giving Week of Action — a statewide effort focused on strengthening food access through grassroots service projects.

When Tristan Davis ’25 first visited Grinnell College, it was the small classes and close faculty relationships that drew him in. But what he found in his four years as a student extended well beyond the classroom: a deep connection to the community, an opportunity to engage in meaningful local work, and, ultimately, the inspiration to pursue a graduate degree abroad in the growing field of environmental humanities. 

The Social Innovator in Residence Program is a unique opportunity for global changemakers to reflect, collaborate, and amplify their work while mentoring the next generation of social innovators.

Local Student Tanner Alger ’25 Maps a Path Toward Digital Access Focused on Mahaska, Poweshiek, and Tama Counties.

An introduction of Grinnell's inaugural social innovator in residence.

Sarah Smith, director of Outreach Programming and Events, discusses her role at Grinnell and her connections to the community.

Students at Grinnell College have been putting their passion for animals into action through a collaboration with the Poweshiek Animal League Shelter (PALS), a local nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and rehoming animals. In partnership with PALS, Grinnell students have been socializing and helping dogs learn basic manners in order to give them a better chance of finding loving, forever homes.