Washington University in St. Louis
Executive Summary – Kauffman Campuses Proposal
Washington University requests a grant from the Kauffman Foundation to help implement a program of entrepreneurship education. We will establish a culture of entrepreneurship throughout campus, make this education accessible to all students and engage faculty. We will create a model of entrepreneurship education that is measurable, has significant impact at WU and is replicable. Our implementation will be progressive but sound. We will allocate Foundation funds over a multi-year period, and for eligible purposes.
Overview: WU and Entrepreneurship
WU is a premier institution known for the excellence of its teaching, research and students. It is comprised of eight schools. WU has a strong interdisciplinary design and collaborative environment that integrates change. It has the strength and flexibility to meet the challenges of implementing this initiative. Leadership’s commitment from the Chancellor, Board and all deans is strong. Entrepreneurship at WU is successful, young and poised for growth. No entrepreneurship courses are now taught outside the business school.
Our LEAP
We will: create a scholarship program expressly for students interested in entrepreneurship; increase from 1 to 7 the schools teaching entrepreneurship; plan to start 15 new courses; offer grants to motivate faculty to create more; engage approximately 20 faculty at the outset; reach students at all degree levels; open new centers; offer an undergraduate 2nd major in entrepreneurship; fill a professorship; and nearly double the number of student-run businesses.
Our Initiative
We have designed initiatives in 5 categories that are cohesive and replicable.
University
- University-wide Scholars Program that will grow to 60 prestigious student leaders.
- Dedicated student housing for entrepreneurial students.
- Visiting Professorship to attract diverse knowledge.
- Entrepreneurship Council as a subcommittee of our Board.
Curricular
- Curriculum development grants to faculty for designing/teaching new courses.
- Any student can acquire an undergraduate entrepreneurship 2nd major without a business degree.
- Open 2 clinics (art and law) to provide specialized services on campus.
- Curriculum in Social Entrepreneurship between Schools of Social Work and Business.
- Named professorship.
Co-Curricular
- Expand number of student-run businesses.
- University-wide internship program.
- Reformulate and expand the Olin Cup business formation competition.
Outreach
- Collaborating entrepreneurs assist students and researchers.
- Fellowships for medical and engineering scientists.
- Entrepreneurs-in-Residence.
- Continuing education.
Research
- Interdisciplinary Faculty Research Team.
- Center for Research in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
- Summer research grants for student/faculty teams.
- National conference.
Sharing Measurable Outcomes
We will collect quantitative and qualitative data measuring our outcomes. This data will be assimilated by the Steering Committee. It will be shared with the Foundation and other institutions, along with creative concepts, lessons learned and research.
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WU is ready and eager to enact a new model of entrepreneurship education with the Foundation.
