Rollins has always generated a commitment to excellence. This school has created an environment in which students strive to achieve academic success. It has fostered a study abroad program in numerous countries for students to learn about different cultures and civilizations. It has also allowed for students and faculty to create partnerships to create change in hopes of creating a difference in the world.
The Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub (The Innovation Hub) was established so students might have a space to brainstorm their ideas about social change.
There are many clubs and causes students can get involved in on campus. EcoRollins is a group that raises awareness about environmental issues. The campus’ recycling and bicycle program is a direct result of students coming together to make Rollins a greater ally to the environment.
The Ashoka U Changemaker Campus network has nationally recognized Rollins’ commitment to social entrepreneurship and innovation. Only 36 colleges nationwide have received this recognition. Rollins joined the network in Sept. 2012, becoming the first college to receive this accolade in Florida. Rollins is now part of a league of schools that endlessly searches for ways to solve issues in the global community. It can take as long as two years to become a changemaker campus. In June 2015, Rollins began to apply for renewal of its changemaker campus status, and in Sept. 2016, the collage presented its renewal plan to a panel in Washington, D.C., evidencing the encouragement Rollins gives students to actively pursue a better world. The renewal was granted and Rollins retained its status as an Ashoka U Changemaker Campus.
The Ashoka U network expands opportunities for so many students. According to Liz Cvercko, a Marketing and Communications graduate assistant for the Innovation Hub, “The Hub has access to innovative conferences, internships, organization leaders, and over 3,000 Ashoka fellows worldwide.”
The Ashoka U network also gives Rollins professors opportunities to partner with other like-minded colleagues to discuss course information and attend faculty summits and conferences.
Look out for the upcoming Hult competition in November. It is the world’s largest student competition, which awards $1 million to a deserving student group to help fund their idea for solving some challenge facing the global community. If teams advance past the regional finals, they are then invited to the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting, in which President Bill Clinton hosts the Hult Prize Global Finals. Student groups will present their project to a panel of world-class global leaders, who will select a winner.
The Innovation Hub opens doors beyond Rollins. There are numerous grants, mentorship programs and fellowships to foster social change. There are socially-minded summer and international programs where students can gain experience in innovation. Students can work towards careers where they will make a positive difference in the world. If you have the smallest idea of how to improve our society and environment, Rollins will rally behind it and support you through its realization.
You can follow the Innovation Hub on:
Facebook: The Innovation Hub – Rollins College
Twitter: @RInnovationHub
Instagram: theinnovationhub
Blog: https://rollinsinnovationhub.wordpress.com/
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