School:Grand Valley State University

Introduction 

Grand Valley State University (also known as GVSU), is a public liberal arts university in Allendale, Michigan, United States, west of Grand Rapids. Classes are also offered downtown Grand Rapids on GVSU's Pew Campus. Pew Campus supports programs in Engineering, Education, Nursing and Business. There has been a movement to improve innovation and entrepreneurship landscape on GVSU’s campuses. Many courses, clubs, workshops, competitions and other programs involving innovation and entrepreneurship  have been researched and put together to build an infrastructure for students to utilize.

Entrepreneurship & Academics 

The Faculty at GVSU integrates innovation and entrepreneurship in their courses through hands on projects and assignments. The classes below empathizes on I&E. 

• EGR 301 - Product  Design

• MKT 450 - Marketing Capstone

• EGR 401 - Advanced Product Design

• ENT 180

• ENT 350

Events & Community 

Not only does Grand Valley State University supports it’s students in innovation and entrepreneurship both in and outside the classroom but the Grand Rapids community also supports it. There are many organizations that offer funding, advising, space and much more for small start up companies and businesses. Below is a list of some community organizations and GVSU programs that support innovation and entrepreneurship. 

Community: 

• StartGarden Speakers/Workshops

• GRIN

• GR Current 

Campus: 

• Idea Pitch

• CEO Club

• MWest 

Resources: 

Engineering prototyping lab, machine shop, and wood shop. 

Co-op Program 

For GVSU’s Engineering program students must participate in a 3 semester co-op program. The last two years of an Engineer’s education, a student will alternate between co-op (usually at a company) and school every other semester. This allows students to apply what they have learned in real live situations and gain valuable industrial work experience. Typically students will get job offers after graduation with the company they co-oped with. The program also has a two semester long undergraduate senior project.  

Not only does all this hands-on experience cause students to develop work ethic/economics and project management skills, it offers a more active participation in innovation and entrepreneurship.