The Wilson Center’s annual Pioneer Weekend pitch competition took place from Friday, September 26, to Sunday, September 28. The objective of Pioneer Weekend is to bring together student innovators to develop and pitch a business or nonprofit plan. It encourages hands-on experiences and helps develop skills critical to entrepreneurship. The top three teams also receive cash prizes.

Grinnell has been awarded a $400,000 grant from the National Science Foundation’s Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC) program [ITE-2519806]. This competitive program supports colleges and universities in building capacity to engage with external partners and contribute to the U.S. innovation economy by working in cohorts to address similar challenges and opportunities.

Grinnell College students partnered with local organizations to pitch innovative, community-focused solutions as part of the annual SPARK Challenge. Two teams were awarded $4,000 each to implement projects supporting early childhood literacy and food access through community gardens.

Alumna Andrea Brennen ’04, who has listened to thousands of tech startups pitch their ideas, shared tips with students.

Robert Gehorsam ’76 might be called a modern renaissance man. His career has spanned the entire arc of digital platforms and entertainment from the infancy of interactive online experiences through the introduction of generative artificial intelligence. He sees teaching Entrepreneurship and Social Change at Grinnell College as an outgrowth of his career as a “professional mentor.”

Leigh Kunkel '09 teaches and mentors students in two fall courses.

Wilson Center funds allow students to explore professional interests related to leadership and innovation in various fields.

Congratulations to Dayana Garcia ’26, Brian Goodell ’24, and Nathan Hoffman ’24! These three Wilson Center student employees have been recognized as outstanding student employees at Grinnell College.

Five teams of students pitched social innovation solutions at the Spark Challenge in April, 2024. They competed for cash prizes and the opportunity to win an implementation grant for their community partner or campus partner. Funding for the program is offered by the Wilson Center for Innovation and Leadership.

“The BRASA Summit serves as a beacon of inspiration and connection for Brazilian students, leaving us with a profound sense of purpose,” summed up attendee Marina Ananias '26.