Social Innovator in Residence | Grinnell College

Social Innovator in Residence | Grinnell College
Social Innovator in Residence
Social responsibility calls for innovators of every kind.
Social innovation is about finding creative solutions to social problems that promote positive change. Grinnell College's mission is to provide a liberal arts education that is rooted in social justice, critical thinking, diversity, and global awareness. Our commitment to social innovation reflects its belief in the power of education to transform lives and communities for the better.
ABOUT
Our institution was built by social reformers.
The founders of Grinnell College believed we could always do more for others. From the beginning, we have viewed our role as an institution as a responsibility to contribute to the common good.
The Social Innovator in Residence Program aims to provide social innovators with opportunities to advance their work by leveraging the resources of Grinnell College. Goals for the program include fostering reflection and exploration with campus constituents, receiving research support, developing collaborations, teaching and leading workshops, building professional connections and mentor relationships, amplifying social innovation work and message, and providing time for reflection and renewal. The program provides longer-term collaborations to help innovators further their work.
Recent Social Innovation News
Antionette Priscilla Carroll Named 2026 Social Innovator in Residence
Grinnell College will welcome Antionette Priscilla Carroll as the 2026 Social Innovator in Residence, bringing a nationally recognized leader in equity-centered design to campus for a fall 2026 residency focused on trust, community agency, and sustainable systems change.
Empowering Community Connections
Local Student Tanner Alger ’25 Maps a Path Toward Digital Access Focused on Mahaska, Poweshiek, and Tama Counties.
Grinnell College Announces Monica Sanders as the Inaugural Social Innovator in Residence
Sanders brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the initiative. The initiative represents a pivotal milestone in our ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration and driving meaningful societal change.
2026-27 Applications Open Aug. 11 - Oct. 10, 2025
Grinnell College Social Innovator in Residence Application
Social Innovator in Residence Structure
The Social Innovator in Residence will participate in a seven-week residence program on campus, during which they will interact with Grinnell’s students, faculty, and staff, as well as members of the wider community. Through a range of programming and activities, the social innovator will have the opportunity to work on their project and engage with the community to create lasting social impact.
2026–2027 Thematic Focus:
Sustainability
Applications Open:
August 11, 2025
Application Deadline:
October 10, 2025, by 8:00 a.m. (CDT)
Residency Timing:
Fall or Spring Semester, 2026–2027 Academic Year
Applicant Evaluation Criteria
2026–2027 Thematic Focus: Sustainability
The theme for the 2026–2027 residency is
Sustainability
, interpreted in its broadest sense. Applicants are encouraged to define and connect this theme to their own area of work—whether environmental, economic, cultural, social, or organizational sustainability. Please clearly articulate how your work aligns with and advances this theme.
Individuals working in this sector are encouraged to apply:
Changemakers working on the cutting edge of social innovation;
Leaders creating solutions to social justice issues;
Visionaries tackling complex and systemic challenges in a sustainable and equitable way;
Mentors inspiring the next generation of social innovators; and
Social innovators who would benefit from time and space to further their social innovation work.
Award and Stipend
The social innovator will receive an award and stipend that together total $50,000.
Important Dates
August 11, 2025
– Applications open
October 10, 2025
– Applications close
November 3, 2025
– Finalist notifications sent
November 10–21, 2025
– Finalist interviews with the selection committee
November 21, 2025
– Finalist materials and reference letters due
Mid-February 2026 (approx. February 16)
– Innovator selected and notified
March 1, 2026
– Residency contract signed
Mid-March 2026
– Public announcement of the Social Innovator
Late Spring 2026
– Campus visit for residency planning
About the Center for Careers, Life, and Service and Service and Social Innovation
Grinnell's commitment to social justice is reflected in every aspect of our approach to education. The Center for Careers, Life, and Service (CLS) plays a crucial role in shaping students' civic engagement education. Through the CLS, students have access to a range of co-curricular and academic community-engaged learning opportunities that enable them to connect with their community in meaningful ways. These experiences are designed to complement the College's residential curriculum, which emphasizes community building and critical dialogue. Together, these elements of Grinnell's educational approach provide students with a comprehensive understanding of social justice and social innovation. By supporting students' interests and providing opportunities for them to engage in service and social innovation, Grinnell prepares students to become agents of positive change in their communities and the world.
For More Information
If you have additional questions about the Social Innovator in Residence program or application process, please contact Vicki Nolton, assistant director for social innovation partnerships and education, at
noltonvi@grinnell.edu
Contact Information
Phone
641-269-4940
Center for Careers, Life, and Service
1127 Park Street
Grinnell
IA
50112
United States
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