“ The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship offers students and faculty of all disciplines the opportunity to work together to develop innovative and entrepreneurial solutions to the major problems facing our community, the region and the world. The Center hosts several programs that encourage social innovation and entrepreneurship among UMass Lowell students as well as the broader community in which we live. The DifferenceMaker program provides training, mentoring and other resources to UMass Lowell students and faculty who wish to address social, environmental and economic problems in our community. “
'''DifferenceMaker Program Available Resources Include:'''
• '''About DifferenceMakers:''' The DifferenceMaker CentralProgram sponsors specific events and activities that support students in solving big problems through innovation and entrepreneurship. The Program is highly experiential by offering students a series of workshops that they can engage in to better understand innovation, entrepreneurship and launching a start-up of their interest.
• Large open office collaboration space equipped with Wi-Fi, 3 Mac computers, printer/copier, 2 46” LCD TV monitors with projection capabilities, 6 white boards, 10 tables with chairs Students of all equipped with wheels that can be easily rearranged for optimal use majors and disciplines are welcome to join this Program and collaborationmake a difference at UMass Lowell, refrigerator, sink, cabinet space, coffee maker in the community or in the world through innovative and entrepreneurial action. These DifferenceMaker projects include interdisciplinary student teams from all majors and other necessary office suppliesskill sets.
• Funding Opportunities
•'''Goals of DifferenceMakers:''' Idea Challenge
•· Other competitions:Introduce all UMass students to creative problem solving, innovation and entrepreneurship
•· DCU Innovation ContestAccelerate purpose in each students education
•· FAHSS Creative Venture CompetitionConnect current students to alumni experience
•· Hawk HatchEncourage a social responsibility ethos<br/>
• Philanthropic Crowd Funding Source'''DifferenceMaker Available Activities Include:'''
•· Grants '''DifferenceMaker Central-'''DifferenceMaker Central was opened in May 2013. This space is a dedicated entrepreneurial area with a vibrant start-up community atmosphere. The space was made for all entrepreneurial teams to come together to work, brainstorm, and network. Student teams have access to flexible workstations, televisions, computers, mentors, and a dynamic meeting space to develop their ideas and collaborate amongst their teammates and fellow students.
•· Networking '''DifferenceMaker Enterprise Co-op''''''in the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship''''''-'''Throughout each year, DifferenceMakers will hire several students from various majors to participate in paid co-op experiences. Student co-ops assist in conducting and summarizing entrepreneurial research, developing and distributing marketing materials for various center initiatives, and provide center support for faculty and innovation fellows affiliate with the center.
•· Connection to faculty '''Freshman Make A Difference Orientation – '''During the summer sessions, DifferenceMaker has a large presence in the Freshman Orientation days. Through the Office of Orientation, Student Activities and Leadership, staffand ResLife, DifferenceMaker was able to present to every attending freshman and alumnigain exposure to all of the new students at UMass Lowell.
•· Mentors '''Freshman DifferenceMaker Convocation-''' At the beginning of each academic year, we present DifferenceMakers to every incoming freshman at Convocation. Each year we perform a fun activity to engage students in our program.
•· Faculty Fellows '''Introduction to DifferenceMaker-Freshman Seminars-'''A series of in-class discussions in collaboration with the Manning School of Business, The Francis College of Engineering, The College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, and The College of Health Sciences in order to introduce the DifferenceMaker StaffProgram to students of all disciplines and to inspire them to explore their passions through creative problem solving.
•· Events '''Introduction to the DifferenceMaker Program-'''A series of events were held on both the north and south campuses to introduce students to DifferenceMaker Program concepts, allow them to share their ideas and interests, explore possible projects and solution, and to connected with each other to form teams. These events included the DifferenceMaker Convocation Pitch, the Climate Change Teach-in, a DifferenceMaker Team Building Dinner, and others.
•· Series '''DifferenceMaker LLC – '''Having a presence in the student residence halls as well as the classroom is important to motivate students and discover new ideas waiting to happen. The DifferenceMaker Living/Learning Community brings new students together in the ResLife environment for innovation and brainstorming outside of Educational Entrepreneurial Workshops including materialsthe classroom.
•· Problem, Opportunity, Solution, Resources '''Honors DifferenceMaker Program –''' In collaboration with UMass Lowell Honors Program, Pitch Coachingthis concerted effort to embed elements of social entrepreneurship in our Honors Program includes coursework and community-based student efforts that have specific focus on innovation and entrepreneurial practices.
•· Team Building Assistance '''Introduction to Engineering-'''Extra Credit Project-This activity was a collaboration effort between the DifferenceMaker Program and The Francis College of Engineering to introduce freshman engineering majors to the DifferenceMaker Program, innovation, and entrepreneurship. In this introductory activity, the students’ innovative ideas were explored and presented in a format which would enable their projects to be candidates for both the DifferenceMaker Program Idea Challenge and Campus Catalyst program.
•· TeamMaker Platform '''Creative Venture Competition - '''This contest held in October of 2013 hosted by DifferenceMaker focused on innovation from Arts, Team Building MixerHumanities, and Social Science students. $2500 was awarded to the best entrepreneurial business a proposal, and $250 to each finalist team was also awarded.
•· Enterprise co-op positions '''Digital Federal Credit Union Innovation Contest – '''In November of 2013, DifferenceMaker along with DCU hosted an Innovation Contest focusing on banking and financial innovation in the industry. With a grand prize of $500 per team member and peripheral prizes of $100 per team member, the contest gave thousands to innovative teams and cutting edge ideas.
Through the Center for Innovation · '''DifferenceMaker Reverse Pitch –& Entrepreneurshipnbsp;'''This pitch event was debuted on November 19, along with affiliated faculty 2013. This event was a spin off of “normal” idea challenges and other campus programshackathons. Instead of students pitching their ideas to funding sources or judges, businesses and community partners actually pitched their existing problems to a student audience in the University has introduced hopes that they can develop a range solution. The pitches included Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership, Lowell Telecommunications Corporation, Habitat for Humanity of activities that help students make a difference in Greater Lowell, Catie’s Closet and the Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center. Students will be able to solve these problems and present them at the worldAnnual IdeaChallenge for funding opportunities.
· '''About DifferenceMakers:Freshman Business Class-Lego Problem Solving-'''This Lego activity was a collaboration effort between the DifferenceMaker Program and the Manning School of Business to introduce students to the ideation development process and problem solving method, as well as helping them strengthen their ability to work in a team. Sessions were conducted in 9 classes with over 400 students participating. Prof. Deborah Finch of the Manning School of Business led this effort.
· '''DifferenceMaker Idea Challenge– '''DifferenceMaker is hosting its second annual Idea Challenge; this challenge is for student entrepreneurial teams to come up with sustainable ideas that will make some sort of impact on the world or their community. Help in the form of various workshops in the months leading up to the Idea Challenge is available, teaching students how to properly pitch their ideas and how to flesh out their business plans. There are various subcategories for each team to have a chance at winning spread out across over many different disciplines, encouraging all students to participate and welcoming all ideas.
The · '''DifferenceMaker Program sponsors specific events and activities that support students in solving big problems through innovation and entrepreneurship. The Program is highly experiential by offering Workshops-'''In preparation for the annual DifferenceMaker IdeaChallenge, we offer our students a series of educational entrepreneurial workshops that they can engage in to better understand innovation, entrepreneurship and launching a start-up of their interestthroughout the spring semester.
Students of all majors and disciplines are welcome to join this Program and make a difference at UMass Lowell, in the community or in the world through innovative and entrepreneurial action. These DifferenceMaker projects include interdisciplinary student teams from all majors and skill sets.o Team Building Mixer
o Identifying Problems and Opportunities
'''Goals of DifferenceMakers:'''o Developing Solutions
·o Introduce all UMass students to creative problem solving, innovation and entrepreneurshipIdentifying Resources
·o Rocket Pitch Coaching Accelerate purpose in each students education
· Connect current '''Promoting the Campus Catalyst Program'''-The DifferenceMaker Program works closely with the Merrimack Valley Sandbox, a community business accelerator funded by the Deshpande Foundation, in order to encourage students to generate and develop their entrepreneurial ideas. The Sandbox Campus Catalyst program provided seed funding for student social and business solutions with potential. Catalyst information was provided to students at all DifferenceMaker events. Students also received consultation when applying to alumni experiencethe Campus Catalyst Program. The DifferenceMaker application and Campus Catalyst application were similar in content so that unity between these programs would be maximized.
· Encourage '''DifferenceMaker Program Promotion-'''In order to promote awareness of, and participation in, DifferenceMaker activities among faculty, staff, and students, a social responsibility ethosvariety of outreach materials were developed and distributed across the University. These activities included program launch events, a DifferenceMaker website, a Facebook site, a Twitter feed (UML_Difference), various posters, postcards, presentations to classrooms, workshops, office hours, email blasts, and information tables.
· '''DifferenceMaker Available Activities Include:TeamMaker Platform''' - Allows students to build their project teams by posting their project ideas and information online where they can then search for “seekers” (students interested in becoming part of a team). On the other hand, “seekers” can utilize the TeamMaker Platform by posting their project interests and skills, and seeking projects/teams to work with. This platform facilitates team formation.
· '''DifferenceMaker Central-'''DifferenceMaker Central was opened in May 2013. This space is a dedicated entrepreneurial area with a vibrant start-up community atmosphere. The space was made for all entrepreneurial teams to come together to work, brainstorm, and network. Student teams have access to flexible workstations, televisions, computers, mentors, and a dynamic meeting space to develop their ideas and collaborate amongst their teammates and fellow students.
· '''DifferenceMaker Enterprise Co-op''''''in the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship''''''-'''Throughout each year, DifferenceMakers will hire several students from various majors to participate in paid co-op experiences. Student co-ops assist in conducting and summarizing entrepreneurial research, developing and distributing marketing materials for various center initiatives, and provide center support for faculty and innovation fellows affiliate with the center.
· '''Freshman Make A Difference Orientation – DifferenceMaker Program Available Resources Include:'''During the summer sessions, DifferenceMaker has a large presence in the Freshman Orientation days. Through the Office of Orientation, Student Activities and Leadership, and ResLife, DifferenceMaker was able to present to every attending freshman and gain exposure to all of the new students at UMass Lowell.
·• '''Freshman DifferenceMaker Convocation-''' At the beginning of each academic year, we present DifferenceMakers to every incoming freshman at Convocation. Each year we perform a fun activity to engage students in our program.Central
·• '''Introduction to DifferenceMaker-Freshman Seminars-'''A series of in-class discussions in Large open office collaboration space equipped with the Manning School of BusinessWi-Fi, 3 Mac computers, The Francis College of Engineeringprinter/copier, The College of Fine Arts2 46” LCD TV monitors with projection capabilities, Humanities6 white boards, 10 tables with chairs all equipped with wheels that can be easily rearranged for optimal use and Social Sciencescollaboration, refrigerator, sink, cabinet space, coffee maker and The College of Health Sciences in order to introduce the DifferenceMaker Program to students of all disciplines and to inspire them to explore their passions through creative problem solvingother necessary office supplies.
·• '''Introduction to the DifferenceMaker Program-'''A series of events were held on both the north and south campuses to introduce students to DifferenceMaker Program concepts, allow them to share their ideas and interests, explore possible projects and solution, and to connected with each other to form teams. These events included the DifferenceMaker Convocation Pitch, the Climate Change Teach-in, a DifferenceMaker Team Building Dinner, and others.Funding Opportunities
·• '''DifferenceMaker LLC – '''Having a presence in the student residence halls as well as the classroom is important to motivate students and discover new ideas waiting to happen. The DifferenceMaker Living/Learning Community brings new students together in the ResLife environment for innovation and brainstorming outside of the classroom. Idea Challenge
·• '''Honors DifferenceMaker Program –''' In collaboration with UMass Lowell Honors Program, this concerted effort to embed elements of social entrepreneurship in our Honors Program includes coursework and community-based student efforts that have specific focus on innovation and entrepreneurial practices.Other competitions:
·• '''Introduction to Engineering-'''Extra Credit Project-This activity was a collaboration effort between the DifferenceMaker Program and The Francis College of Engineering to introduce freshman engineering majors to the DifferenceMaker Program, innovation, and entrepreneurship. In this introductory activity, the students’ innovative ideas were explored and presented in a format which would enable their projects to be candidates for both the DifferenceMaker Program Idea Challenge and Campus Catalyst program.DCU Innovation Contest
·• '''FAHSS Creative Venture Competition - '''This contest held in October of 2013 hosted by DifferenceMaker focused on innovation from Arts, Humanities, and Social Science students. $2500 was awarded to the best entrepreneurial business a proposal, and $250 to each finalist team was also awarded.
·• '''Digital Federal Credit Union Innovation Contest – '''In November of 2013, DifferenceMaker along with DCU hosted an Innovation Contest focusing on banking and financial innovation in the industry. With a grand prize of $500 per team member and peripheral prizes of $100 per team member, the contest gave thousands to innovative teams and cutting edge ideas.Hawk Hatch
·• '''DifferenceMaker Reverse Pitch – '''This pitch event was debuted on November 19, 2013. This event was a spin off of “normal” idea challenges and hackathons. Instead of students pitching their ideas to funding sources or judges, businesses and community partners actually pitched their existing problems to a student audience in the hopes that they can develop a solution. The pitches included Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership, Lowell Telecommunications Corporation, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell, Catie’s Closet and the Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center. Students will be able to solve these problems and present them at the Annual IdeaChallenge for funding opportunities. Philanthropic Crowd Funding Source
·• '''Freshman Business Class-Lego Problem Solving-'''This Lego activity was a collaboration effort between the DifferenceMaker Program and the Manning School of Business to introduce students to the ideation development process and problem solving method, as well as helping them strengthen their ability to work in a team. Sessions were conducted in 9 classes with over 400 students participating. Prof. Deborah Finch of the Manning School of Business led this effort. Grants
·• '''DifferenceMaker Idea Challenge– '''DifferenceMaker is hosting its second annual Idea Challenge; this challenge is for student entrepreneurial teams to come up with sustainable ideas that will make some sort of impact on the world or their community. Help in the form of various workshops in the months leading up to the Idea Challenge is available, teaching students how to properly pitch their ideas and how to flesh out their business plans. There are various subcategories for each team to have a chance at winning spread out across over many different disciplines, encouraging all students to participate and welcoming all ideas. Networking
·• '''DifferenceMaker Workshops-'''In preparation for the annual DifferenceMaker IdeaChallengeConnection to faculty, we offer our students a series of educational entrepreneurial workshops throughout the spring semester.staff, and alumni
o• Team Building Mixer Mentors
o• Identifying Problems Faculty Fellows and OpportunitiesDifferenceMaker Staff
o• Developing Solutions Events
o• Identifying Resources Series of Educational Entrepreneurial Workshops including materials
o• Rocket Pitch Coaching Problem, Opportunity, Solution, Resources, Pitch Coaching
• Team Building Assistance
·• '''Promoting the Campus Catalyst Program'''-The DifferenceMaker Program works closely with the Merrimack Valley SandboxTeamMaker Platform, a community business accelerator funded by the Deshpande Foundation, in order to encourage students to generate and develop their entrepreneurial ideas. The Sandbox Campus Catalyst program provided seed funding for student social and business solutions with potential. Catalyst information was provided to students at all DifferenceMaker events. Students also received consultation when applying to the Campus Catalyst Program. The DifferenceMaker application and Campus Catalyst application were similar in content so that unity between these programs would be maximized. CURRENT Team Building Mixer
·• '''DifferenceMaker Program PromotionEnterprise co-'''In order to promote awareness of, and participation in, DifferenceMaker activities among faculty, staff, and students, a variety of outreach materials were developed and distributed across the University. These activities included program launch events, a DifferenceMaker website, a Facebook site, a Twitter feed (UML_Difference), various posters, postcards, presentations to classrooms, workshops, office hours, email blasts, and information tables. CURRENT op positions
·Through the Center for Innovation '''TeamMaker Platform''' - Allows students to build their project teams by posting their project ideas Entrepreneurship, along with affiliated faculty and information online where they can then search for “seekers” (other campus programs, the University has introduced a range of activities that help students interested make a difference in becoming part of a team). On the other hand, “seekers” can utilize the TeamMaker Platform by posting their project interests and skills, and seeking projects/teams to work with. This platform facilitates team formationworld. CURRENT