New Programs: Clark's Innovation & Entrepreneurship Minor

A year ago Clark launched its newest program, a minor in innovation and entrepreneurship. One year later, there are 45 students in the program. "That¹s four times what we expected," says George Gendron, Clark's entrepreneur-in-residence, who developed and directs the new program.

Clark's new program is unique precisely because it is a minor. "It's innovative because it is based on a radically difference premise than other programs. Ninety-nine percent of other programs in this country are designed for people who want to obtain an MBA or are majoring in management. The premise of Clark's program is that entrepreneurship today represents a set of skills that are vital for all of our students, not just business students. As a result, the program was developed as a minor so that students can pursue their passion, whatever that might be, and marry it to a set of entrepreneurial skills. "A film student shouldn't have to choose between courses in Visual & Performing Arts and business," says Gendron. "Instead, students can marry their major with the new minor. And it's this integration of entrepreneurship with the student's major interest that makes the program distinctive." Likewise, students majoring in the sciences shouldn't have to choose between their science courses and learning the entrepreneurial skills that fuel scientific and technological innovation.

Cutting-edge Curriculum

The new minor, which is open to students of all majors, includes six courses designed to give students the entrepreneurial tools they need when they graduate: to be economically literate and to have explored and participated in the process of starting something new. Among the courses offered are "The Art and Science of Management," "Entrepreneurial Communication and Influence "and "The Art of the New‹Entrepreneurship." The goal of the curriculum is to dramatically broaden students' awareness of the opportunities after graduation, so they are prepared to take responsibility for their own professional and economic futures. Throughout the academic year, students also have opportunities to hear from real entrepreneurs at panel discussion and lectures.

A perfect fit

According to Gendron, Clark is the perfect place for this new minor because the University embodies all the right conditions to make the program, and its graduates, successful. "Clark is the ideal size, has a long-standing and passionate commitment to liberal arts and has a long-standing reputation for engagement of all kinds," says Gendron. "Clark has a widespread culture of curiosity and openness to new ideas. Combine that with Clark's academic rigor, and you have all the elements to make this program a success."

With continued financial support, the innovation and entrepreneurship minor can continue to grow and prepare the next generation of entrepreneurs making a difference in the world.

Give to the Clark Fund now and help the University continue its tradition of creating innovative programs and learning opportunities like the innovation and entrepreneurship minor. Please give today.

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