Have you ever explored Google as a “noogler” (new Google employee)? Or talked to Microsoft project staff about their creative processes? Or spent a day exploring design thinking at Stanford University’s renowned d.School? Thirteen Salukis have and four more are taking off for Dubai in April! With your donation, we can double or triple that number in the next few years.

The University Innovation Fellows program empowers students from all majors and graduate degree programs to become leaders of change in higher education. Fellows are creating a national movement to ensure that all students gain the necessary attitudes, skills and knowledge to compete in the economy of the future. Housed at Stanford University’s Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (d.school), more than 1,838 University Innovation Fellows from 258 global universities have participated since the program began in 2011.

Cohorts of four Salukis complete a six-week training program where they develop creative thinking and problem-solving skillsets. Through the process, each Fellow identifies a project that solves a problem or brings a new resource to campus. After returning from the spring Meet-ups, Fellows work with mentors and other faculty/staff to implement their project ideas. Projects from past Fellows include an innovation space, hackathons, design thinking workshops, 3D printing materials recycling, and entrepreneurship training programs.

For each $3,000 raised, your donations will help us invest in a Saluki who demonstrates a passion for innovation, creativity and the entrepreneurial mindset as well as a drive to make a lasting impact at SIU. Thank you!

Want to know more about University Innovation Fellows?  Check out this video to better understand the impact that this program has on university students.