Changes

At New Mexico State University, we are fortunate enough to have a solid foundation rooted in innovation and entrepreneurship. The gaps in our ecosystem do not lie so much in the implementation of programs in as much as the lack of student awareness and engagement. Students simply do not know what their institution has to offer. We have an existing maker/innovation space, we have an idea incubator where students can develop business ideas and get them to market. Lucky for us, the infrustructure already exists, and for this reason, our task is to get the word out, and spark interest. Therefore, I propose to initiate a student led organization that promotes creative and design thinking under the umbrella of innovation and entrepreneurship. An organization like this is quick to get up off it's feet, can affect immediate change at the student level, does not take months or years to create traction, and could serve as a test pilot for future I&E endeavors to be integrated into the curriculum and culture of the institution. This organization would foster the creation of INNOVATORS, not just innovation, and with meetings, activities, and events geared toward passion, true learning, and fast iterative cheap failure, it would build students up to believe in impossible dreams and ideas. I believe it could be the perfect link to funnel students to capitalize on the resources we already have.