CLE’s Leading for Social Change (660.240) Intersession class culminated with a social enterprise business plan competition, in which three groups received funding for their budding social initiatives. The course, taught by CLE Lecturer William Smedick, challenged students to create “Blueprints for Success,” providing the framework for students to cultivate their own ideas for new socially conscious entrepreneurial ventures designed to enhance the JHU and Baltimore City communities.
The competition provided an opportunity for students to showcase their initiatives, compete for funding, and receive feedback from judges including Baltimore City Council member William Henry, JHU ’95, CLE Sr. Lecturers Eric Rice, Pamela Sheff and Bob Graham, Safety & Operational Risk’s Project Manager, Emilie C.S. Hudson, and Center for Social Concern Associate Director, Gia Greer McGinnis.
Three projects received funding. Third prize went to “Hopkins Against Trafficking,” a project designed to promote campus awareness about human trafficking by hosting events to encourage open discussions regarding exploitation and engaging students in anti-trafficking volunteer opportunities within Baltimore. Student project coordinators: Hannah Folz, Victoria Aysola, Pankhuri Jha, Rohini Siva
In second place came “Diversification Initiative,” whose mission is to increase the financial literacy rate of Baltimore students, by empowering Save the Future through collaborative partnerships, increased human resources, and local connections. Student project coordinators: Sean McDonald, Michael Bledsoe, Elizabeth Hawkes, Ian Colrick
Our first place winner was “BICO Hopkins,” a project which pairs with BICO (Baltimore Inspiring Connections Outdoors), the Sierra Club, and JHU Outdoor Pursuits in order to inspire students at both Hopkins and Baltimore City Public Schools to get outdoors and promote environmental awareness. Student project coordinator: Elaina Drescher