Virginia Tech announced the new addition of a living-learning community dedicated to entrepreneurship on Tuesday, adding to the school's already impressive support of student innovation. Undeniably a fan of cutting edge startups, Virginia Tech acknowledges the value in fostering the growth of business ventures on campus grounds, taking yet another step forward by providing even more resources for the future Zuckerbergs of America.
The living-learning community will be based in a house at 2475 Oak Lane filled to the brim with 35 students and led by a faculty director from the Pamplin College of Business. Whether it's planning out who to start conversations with in order to secure funding or developing product design concepts, this will be the ideal place for up-and-coming entrepreneurs to hash out all of their business development ideas among like-minded folks.
“Linking academic initiatives with residential life is a growing enterprise at Virginia Tech,” explained Mark McNamee, senior vice president and provost, in a press release. “The Innovate project provides a great opportunity for students interested in entrepreneurship to expand their classroom experiences by living and working with other students who share their passion for innovation. The house in Oak Lane will provide a high quality space to launch this program and evaluate future opportunities.”
While the living-learning community nicknamed "Innovate" is due to begin this fall, it's only a two-year pilot program. It could likely change a lot over the course of it's pilot period.
The brain child of the provost's office, the Division of Student Affairs, Pamplin College of Business, and the department of Housing and Residence, "Innovate" is a dream house for aspiring startup founders. Students a wide array of majors will be able to work together in a highly conducive environment while receiving mentorship from faculty ambassadors, a graduate director, upperclassman, alumni coaches, and a live-in residential learning coordinator. There will be discussion groups, events, and even team-building activities. There will also be "state-of-the-art communication technologies" in the house, a perfect way to correspond with other innovative people like them from around the world.
“At the end of the program, these students will not only have experience, skills, and knowledge but also have a network of colleagues and mentors that will help them launch their innovative ideas," said Pamplin dean Robert Sumichrast.
Frank Shushok Jr., associate vice president for Student Affairs added that “This house in the Oak Lane community is the ideal incubator for the entrepreneurial spirit."
"With plenty of spaces for collaboration and group meetings, it is an environment that will spark interaction and ideas.”
As for how to apply to be a part of this exclusive community, first-year students of all majors will have the opportunity to submit their application this month. If you're interested, just visit the "Innovate" website here and include a letter of intent with a resume by Friday, July 26, 2013.
Congratulations, Virginia Tech, you've done it again. A living-learning community focused on entrepreneurship will provide students with important skills they can use in any job they seek in the future. You're giving them a chance to expand their educational horizons and bolster up their resumes, and for that they will thank you.
Related
