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.

The SPARK Community-Based Social Innovation Challenge involves collaboration between student “innovation teams” and community partners to develop and pitch solutions to challenges faced in the organizations’ communities.

The Wilson Center’s annual Pioneer Weekend pitch competition took place from Friday, Sept. 22, to Sunday Sept. 24, and resulted in near record numbers for attendance and participation, surpassed…