Monica Sanders, the inaugural Social Innovator in Residence, will be in residency March 24 – May 10. Her residency is a keystone of Grinnell’s commitment to advancing social justice and civic engagement, providing a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and meaningful community impact.

In collaboration with the College’s Office of Civic Education and Innovation, many faculty members have implemented community-engaged aspects into their courses. Community-engaged learning (C-EL) classes were the vision of Wadzanai Motsi-Khatai ’12, who championed a student government initiative that ultimately led to the establishment of the Civic Education and Innovation (CEI) Office within the Center for Careers, Life, and Service (CLS).

This summer, a collaboration of 18 AmeriCorps members, connected and facilitated through the Grinnell Education Partnership, has expanded the capacity of 7 community partner organizations.

Through the program, students will have the chance to engage with inspiring leaders who are making an enduring difference in the world, fostering interdisciplinary creativity, and promoting civic engagement and systemic change. Applications open until Aug. 14, 2024. 

Sanders brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the initiative. The initiative represents a pivotal milestone in our ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration and driving meaningful societal change.

Students, faculty, and staff passionate about civic action and community engagement are invited to discuss and learn during Iowa and Minnesota Campus Compact’s annual Civic Action Academy.

The residency provides world-class innovators time and space for respite, renewal, and inspiration while also serving as inspiration and mentor for our students.

Through the Social Innovator in Residence program, students will have the chance to engage with inspiring leaders who are making an enduring difference in the world, fostering interdisciplinary creativity, and promoting civic engagement and social change.

Jai Bharathi’s social innovation work empowers women’s independence by offering them two- and three-wheeler drivers’ training and related livelihood opportunities.

Victoria Jones’ social innovation work centers Black joy, activism, and community building in Memphis.