Tagged As Civic Education and Innovation

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.

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.