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The St Olaf Innovation Scholars program equips the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to work within the growing field of social innovation and entrepreneurship.   The program includes four main components: monthly alumni roundtable discussions, entrepreneurship & leadership skill development seminars, externship opportunities, and academic internships during interim or the summer.  

Students participating in the Innovation Scholars program during 2010-2011 were offered the opportunity to travel to Washington, DC during interim break during the last week of January. This five-day externship program allowed students to connect with alumni, shadow experts in their field of interest, and visit organizations creating new and resourceful approaches to addressing social problems.

The Innovation Scholars program brings together students from the following programs:   

• Mayo Innovation Scholars Program, founded by John Meslow ’60, offers undergraduate science and economics majors to evaluate projects submitted to the Mayo Office of Intellectual Property, the arm of Mayo responsible for evaluating potential business opportunities for discoveries and inventions created by Mayo Clinic physicians and researchers. 
• Wallace J. Estenson Entrepreneurial Internship Program, founded by Mark and Laura Johnson ’82 and directed by Louie Frank, places students in an entrepreneurial company, where they must identify a problem within the company, design an innovative solution, and work with the company to implement their plan.
• Carlson SEEDS (Social Entrepreneurship, Environmental Design, and Stewardship) Internship Program, founded by Greg and Nancy Carlson ’82, allows students to discover and design innovative approaches to improving health and wellbeing for the community through environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture. The internship takes place in Northfield Township on 50 acres of land owned by the Carlsons. 
• St. Olaf Entrepreneurial Grants Programawards grants up to $3,000 to individuals or teams to launch sustainable enterprises that create value - commercial, social, artistic and/or scientific. Funds are awarded to students for entrepreneurial projects with social and economic potential.
• Social Innovation Grants Programawards mini-grants of up to $500 for students to explore innovative and resourceful approaches to addressing social problems. 

Innovation & Entrepreneurship Seminars
These educational seminars cover skill-development, professional guidance, and general preparation for the field of entrepreneurship and social innovation.  The seminars, led by
St Olaf faculty, staff, and alumni, also offer a reflection component, through which students  synthesize their experiential learning with their academic coursework.  

Monthly Roundtable Discussions & Networking Opportunities
The Innovation Scholars program emphasizes conversation and reflection with social innovators and entrepreneurs in various fields, ranging from business to nonprofit work. This program relies heavily on relationships with St. Olaf alumni.  Opportunities to meet with leaders in the field continue throughout the program.

Internships
Interim and summer internship experiences provide students with the opportunity to launch their own entrepreneurial venture with the support of experienced entrepreneurs and St. Olaf faculty and staff.  While the success of the student’s venture is encouraged, the Innovation Scholars program focuses on the process of assessment, evaluation, revision, and growth throughout the internship experience.

Leadership Development
Returning students serve as leaders to the incoming Innovation Scholars class. They assist the CEL staff in recruiting new applicants and leading educational seminars.  They also help to mentor new Innovation Scholars as they begin the process of exploring, designing, and executing their innovative ventures.

Alumni Connection
St. Olaf alumni, or other professionals interested in supporting the Innovation Scholars program, can get involved in several ways. The most significant commitment would be to host an intern within an entrepreneurial organization, serving a mentoring role throughout the year, as well as providing space, resources, and support for an intern. Entrepreneurial professionals could also welcome students for a day to shadow employees and observe the operations of an innovative business or organization. The program also relies on professionals to speak at educational seminars and to attend networking sessions. If you are interested in getting involved in the Innovation Scholars program in any way, please contact Kris Estenson [estensok@stolaf.edu] 507-786-3625.

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