Center for Careers, Life, and Service News

At the covered entrance of Drake Community Library, a simple but meaningful new resource is quietly making a difference. The Grinnell Community Fridge offers 24-hour, no-questions-asked access to fresh and recovered food — providing another layer of support for community members navigating food insecurity. For Rachel Rudacille ’26, the project has been more than a volunteer effort. It has been an opportunity to listen, learn, and help build something lasting alongside community partners.

Grinnell College student Sebastian Corry ’27 was awarded a Goldwater Scholarship given by the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation. In 2026, the Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation proudly celebrates 40 years working to support talented college sophomores and juniors who aspire to become this nation’s next generation of researchers in science, engineering, and mathematics. This year, 454 new scholars were selected from a total of 1,485 nominees from colleges and universities around the country.

In spring 2025, Assistant Professor of Education, Jonathan Larson piloted a course that invited students to explore experientially and critically how well education in the US has prepared students for the workplaces of today, and how it might adjust for those of the future.

Rudacille and kabir were among 40 students selected nationwide from 155 finalists from 41 partner schools to receive the $40,000 fellowship stipend from the Thomas J. Watson Foundation. The fellowship program offers “college graduates of unusual promise a year of purposeful, independent exploration and international travel to enhance their capacity for resourcefulness, imagination, openness, and leadership and to foster their humane and effective participation in the world community.”

From the start, the meal stood out for its collaborative spirit. Different community organizations took turns cooking and serving each week, creating a shared effort that, over time, fed thousands of community members and reflected the generosity of Grinnell itself.

Institutions designated as Fulbright Top Producers share a strong commitment to global engagement and actively support members of their campus communities in pursuing international learning, teaching, and research opportunities.

Meghna Adhikari ’24 came to Grinnell hoping to explore her options before committing to a career path.
Now at Harvard Law School, Adhikari says that Grinnell turned out to be perfect for that.

In October, 11 Grinnell students participated in a career-focused trip to Minneapolis and St. Paul, organized by staff in the Center for Careers, Life, and Service.

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.

Kelly Harris of the Center for Careers, Life, and Service (CLS) has received the Founders Distinguished Service Award from the Midwest Association of Colleges and Employers (Midwest ACE).