Student Life ArchivesThe Skandalaris Center for Entrepreneurial Studies is hosting its first Social Change IdeaBounce tomorrow. It hopes to promote charity and not-for-profit ideas among undergraduates.
“It’s really for anyone looking to affect the community or specific group,” said Kristin Dougherty, events and communications director for Skandalaris. “But this one is special for students who have ideas for social change.”
Skandalaris hosts regular IdeaBounces every two to three months for students with business, product and service ideas to “create a collaborative learning environment where ideas can be discussed openly,” according to its Web site. The winners receive cash prizes and have dinner with the judges after the event.
This particular IdeaBounce is meant to focus on social issues like poverty and homelessness. The 10 to 15 student presenters will have two minutes to pitch their ideas to a panel of five judges, including University staff, who will then determine the three winners.
They will judge the students’ ideas based on their clarity, presentation effectiveness and request for help, according to Coordinator of Community Service Jason Castles.
“Ideally, they will propose something not going on currently,” said Castles. “What we’re interested in is how we can make these ideas happen.”
One way the community service department hopes to bring these ideas to life is through scholarships, which range from $3,000 to $10,000. The department encourages anyone with an idea to apply, but especially students who have presented their ideas in public.
One of the judges for this event received such a grant in 2001 and has gone on to become editor of a local magazine produced by the homeless, according to Castles.
Money is not the only potential benefit of IdeaBounce.
“The biggest benefit is contacts,” said Mary Digby, social collaboration coordinator for Skandalaris. “You get to meet people who may be able to facilitate your ideas by helping with legal issues, marketing and general business advice.”
Having a private dinner with the judges after the presentations is particularly helpful for the presenters to further discuss their ideas and long-term plans.
Sophomore Julia Baskin, in tandem with Students for Fair Trade, is presenting her idea for University students to support local farmers through a bi-monthly farmer’s market.
“It’s in the early stages right now,” she said. “We just want to get the idea out there and talk to people in the St Louis farmer’s market community. Hopefully the presentation will get us some exposure so we can have a base.”
The event starts at 5:30 p.m. in May Auditorium in Simon Hall and is free for all to attend.