Ashoka U changemaker college
Canada’s only changemaker college
СÓŶÌÊÓƵ is the first college in Canada designated a changemaker college by Ashoka U for its role as a leader in social innovation and changemaking in higher education. The designation falls under the , which recognizes more than 40 colleges and universities globally that have embedded social innovation and changemaking into their culture, programming and operations.
Think you can change the world? We do too.
At СÓŶÌÊÓƵ, we believe small acts can lead to big change. Grassroots efforts can turn into large-scale movements. Ideas can spark innovations that make our communities and planet greener, healthier, safer, stronger and more inclusive.
Changemaking is part of СÓŶÌÊÓƵ’s DNA – we’re known for it – and it’s one of the reasons why we’re the only college in Canada designated a . This is the leading designation for social innovation in higher education. Our students, faculty, staff and partners are proof that with drive, inspiration and support, anyone can make a positive difference.
Social innovation skills focus on developing empathy, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving and prepare students to add value in the world, regardless of whether they innovate within existing organizations or start their own organization.
– Marina Kim, Co-founder and Executive Director of Ashoka U
Information for students
СÓŶÌÊÓƵ offers many opportunities for you to become a changemaker. In and out of the classroom, meet like-minded people who care about improving our communities – one project, one idea, one conversation at a time.
Engage with СÓŶÌÊÓƵ’s changemaking hubs
- Solve technical challenges through research with industry partners.
- Work with non-profits to respond to complex community issues.
- Hone your leadership skills and have a voice in student government.
- Launch a businessÌý´Ç°ù social enterprise.
- Get involved in community projects that support Truth and Reconciliation.
Add something extra to your resumé
- Receive formal recognition for extracurricular activities with СÓŶÌÊÓƵ’s co-curricular record.
- Apply for mini-grant funding to support your changemaking projects.
- Join student clubs and participate in volunteer opportunities.
We’d love to hear what you get up to. Share your stories on social media using the hashtags #ExperienceСÓŶÌÊÓƵ, #changemakerGC and #MillionsofChangemakers.
Take a changemaking course
All СÓŶÌÊÓƵ courses include an entrepreneurial or social entrepreneurial outcome and an experiential learning component. You’ll be empowered to put your skills to the test on real-world assignments and projects that have a meaningful impact.
We also offer changemaking courses you can take any time. For example:
- GNED1000 – Environmental Concerns
- GNED1002 – The Social Impact of Technology
- GNED1010 – Ojibway Language and Culture 1
- GNED1011 – Developing Leadership
- GNED1030 – Same-Sex Issues
- GNED1041 – Ethics and Issues
- GNED1043 – Exploring Culture
- GNED1056 – Entrepreneurial Explorations
- GNED1071 – Indigenous Peoples of Canada
- GNED1073 – Inventions That Changed/World
- GNED1074 – Social Change/Entrepreneurship
- GNED2032 – Human Rights
- GNED2057 – Contemporary Social Issues
- GNED2070 – Globalization
- GNED2071 – Nonprofits in Action
- GNED2072 – Ecological Citizenship
Become a partner
Together, we can make a difference. СÓŶÌÊÓƵ students and faculty can help you find solutions to issues that impact the community, your business or organization.
Collaborate with us to build mutually beneficial partnerships and empower our students to use their education, skills and talents for social good.
Why partner with СÓŶÌÊÓƵ?
- You want to change the world!
- Connect with expert faculty and highly motivated students from a wide range of programs who can offer a fresh perspective.
- You can finally get to that project you’ve been too under-resourced to take on. Let’s tackle it together!
How to get involved
- Bring your ideas to life through Research and Innovation.
- If you’re a non-profit or want to start a social enterprise, connect with the Centre for Changemaking and Social Innovation.
- Start a business at the Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre.
- Support projects that respond to Truth and Reconciliation through our Wiidookdaading Indigenous Resource Centres.
Changemaking in action
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СÓŶÌÊÓƵ’s Board of Governors recognizes innovators, changemakers and student champions
СÓŶÌÊÓƵ’s Board of Governors celebrated an exceptional group of employees, alumni and community partners.
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NSERC grants СÓŶÌÊÓƵ $400,000 to accelerate local business digital innovation
СÓŶÌÊÓƵ’s Research and Innovation department will continue to help local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) thrive now and beyond…
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СÓŶÌÊÓƵ signs United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Accord
СÓŶÌÊÓƵ is officially joining the global movement of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by signing the SDG Accord…
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#ChangeTheNow experience helped Neh Thakkar bridge cultural diversities
When Neh Thakkar, a second-year Computer Programming and Analysis student, wasn’t able to secure a summer co-op until halfway through…
Want to learn more about changemaking at СÓŶÌÊÓƵ?
СÓŶÌÊÓƵ’s Change Team is comprised of an interdisciplinary, caring and talented group of faculty, staff, students and community members.
For more information, please contact us.
Suzie Addison-Toor, Change Leader
Director, Centre for Changemaking and Social Innovation
705.728.1968, ext. 139
Email Suzie