PROVIDENCE – Eleven students, representing the state’s colleges and universities, have been selected as Rhode Island Changemaker Fellows for the 2015-2016 academic year.
The fellowship program is for students who want to change the world through entrepreneurship, according to Social Enterprise Greenhouse.
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The fellows were announced by SEG and the Founders League at a ceremony last week that was co-hosted by U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse.
“Investing in the talented leaders of tomorrow is essential for our state to stay competitive in the global economy,” Whitehouse said in a statement. “The Changemaker Fellowship will help talented student entrepreneurs start and grow businesses here in Rhode Island and I congratulate those who have been selected to participate.”
A joint initiative between SEG and the Founders League, the Changemaker Fellowship Program is made possible by a $200,000 Innovation Grant from the Blackstone Charitable Foundation. Its mission is to better integrate students and recent graduates into the state’s startup ecosystem, introduce entrepreneurship opportunities and “strengthen the flow of talent that drives startup success,” according to a press release from SEG.
Students were selected based on their demonstrated interest in entrepreneurship, as well as their leadership experience. They will work during the school year to support entrepreneurship among students and recent graduates, SEG said.
“The launch of the Changemaker Fellowship is an enormous win for Rhode Island’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” Social Enterprise Greenhouse University Initiative Director Cayla Mackey said in a statement. “This is the first time that students have been brought together from across the state for the sole purpose of encouraging social enterprise and entrepreneurship in Rhode Island. As the base of the talent funnel, students are instrumental in improving Rhode Island’s economy and we together believe that one of the best ways to do that is through entrepreneurship.”
Said Founders League Director Melissa Withers, “Campuses are dynamic places, where student interests and behaviors change quickly. Even if located only a few miles apart, our college and university campuses all have different channels for engaging students and recent grads in startup activity. The Changemaker Fellows helps us understand this complexity and creates an on-the-ground connection to the people we want to serve.”
The innovation grant will help students launch ventures, locate internships and find jobs after graduation at startups. Changemaker Fellows also will receive one-on-one mentorship support, recognition as a student leader and a cash stipend.
The Changemaker Fellows are:
- Nathalie Batista, Community College of Rhode Island
- Monica Canova, Roger Williams University
- Madeline Curto, Providence College
- Linda Garcia, Johnson & Wales University
- Octavian Goncalves, Rhode Island College
- Tim Levene, Bryant University
- Teri Minogue, Brown University
- Kyle Nacci, University of Rhode Island
- Tom Sulahian, New England Institute of Technology
- Dakota Williams, Salve Regina University
- William Zheng, Rhode Island School of Design
