Innovation Scholars Leadership and Vocational Externship to Washington, DC

 

Ten students from the St Olaf Innovation Scholars Program traveled to Washington, DC for five days to engage directly with St Olaf alumni working and living in the area.

       Kris Amundson ’11 - Economics & Management Studies
       Ellie Anderson ’11 - History & Women's Studies
       Rebecca Carlson ’11 - Biology & Environmental Studies  
       Leon Clark ’12 - Mathematics & Chemistry
       Kai Hansen ’11 - Media: Conceptualization, Development & Commercialization         
       Nick Kang ’12 - Biology
       Dan Murphy ’11 - Sociology and Anthropology
       Gabe Rysdahl ’11 - Biology & Mathematics
       Maria Ward ’12 - Asian Studies & Political Science
       Frances Xin ’12 - Biology & Biomedical Studies
           Click to download all reflection statements

In order to explore vocational pathways and strengthen the connections within the greater St Olaf community, the students attended seminars, networked with Ole alumni, met congressional leaders, participated in service projects, and shadowed alumni working in their field of study. The guiding purpose for the externship was to "explore how to lead sustainable lives in the global community in ethical and innovative ways."

The ten students that were part of the Innovation Scholars trip were juniors and seniors that have demonstrated strong leadership skills on campus and in the community.  They are passionate about creating programs that will be of benefit to others.  By spending time in the heart of our nation's Capitol, surrounded by people working in a variety of sectors, the students broadened their understanding of social innovation and entrepreneurship, and made connections to the people and organizations that can support their efforts in the future.

 

Students arrived in Washington, DC on Sunday, Jan. 30 for five days of exploration and learning.  The program was led by Kris Estenson, Associate Director of Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship from St Olaf's Piper Center for Vocation and Career.  Seminars and meetings took place over the course of five days. A team of St Olaf alumni living and working in Washington, DC arranged for the Innovation Scholars to meet with individuals and organizations working in all sectors ranging from domestic and international for-profit, not-for-profit, and governmental organizations.  
 
In addition to the seminars and site visits, students spent one day visiting the work places of the alumni hosts, learning first-hand the issues and challenges in that specific field, and engaging in conversation about how liberal arts students can best prepare to meet those challenges upon graduation.

 

In order to better understand the diverse population within the DC area, the group also participated in a service-learning project within a nonprofit organization.  St Olaf alumni working with Lutheran Volunteer Services coordinated this interaction with the women from N Street Project.

 

Prior to departure, the Innovation Scholars participated in seminars to prepare for the onsite activities and to gain an overview of government in Washington, DC.  Ongoing reflection sessions occurred during and after the visit.  Back on campus, students did a public presentation summarizing their experiences and observations from this opportunity. Each presentation included an action plan describing how the student will use the knowledge and skills gained from this experience to promote positive social change in the local community and beyond.  Each student also met with a professional staff member from the Center for
Experiential Learning to discuss their vocational goals and future opportunities available to them as leaders for social change as they "explore how to lead sustainable lives in the global commuity in ethical and innovative ways."