Center for Innovation and Leadership

The Center for Innovation and Leadership (CIL) provides opportunities for the Swarthmore community to develop the skills to lead, innovate and create value. Through experiential learning, engaging programs, internships, mentorship, and funding, we offer the tools for students to improve the world around them- by starting a new venture or leading in their community. Collaborating with Swarthmore’s cutting-edge faculty, committed staff, and engaged alumni, the CIL offers the opportunity for Swatties to dream big and apply knowledge for positive impact.

Mission Statement

The CIL fosters innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship through applied knowledge and creativity for a better world.

What We Do and How We Do It

Innovation is dynamic problem solving through applied knowledge, creativity, and vision. It requires being open to trying again, thinking again, building on what came before and constantly learning. Innovation can be playful, exciting, and challenging, but at its best, always striving towards a better world. Try some of our programs supporting innovation:

Dinnovators I University Innovation Fellows I Tri-Co Hackathon

Leadership is behaviors and practices that enable a group of people to move towards a goal. Leadership can come from any position in a community, and happens through effective communication, problem solving, decision making, and teamwork. The CIL supports skills for ethical, sustainable, and joyful leadership through good group dynamics and impactful goals. Try some of our programs supporting leadership:

Leadership in Practice I McCabe Scholars I Senior Showcase

Entrepreneurship is creative problem solving that creates value. Solutions can involve a product, a service, or any novel venture. Entrepreneurs dream BIG, take risks and learn from failure to achieve success. The CIL empowers community members to develop as sustainable and impactful entrepreneurs. Try some of our programs supporting entrepreneurship:

SwatTank I Venture Fund