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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

CIL Expo - Garnet Weekend

October 24th | 2pm-4pm | Parrish West Parlors

Welcome to Garnet Weekend!

Stop by Parrish West Parlors to see what CIL students and alum are up to. Projects include game development, health apps, and more!

Garnet Weekend - McCabe Lecture with Leslie Abbey '90

October 24th | 11am-12pm | Lang Performing Arts Center - Pearson-Hall Theatre

“Building Scaffolding: A Journey in Social Entrepreneurship”

Leslie Abbey '90 will reflect on her journey in social entrepreneurship and the lessons she learned from building organizations that strengthen the scaffolding people need to thrive. Drawing from experiences in founding Family Legal Care, co-creating Anthos Home, and leading Hot Bread Kitchen, she highlights how innovation can help turn questions into action, fill systemic gaps, and scale solutions that bring stability, dignity, and belonging to families and communities.

CIL Info Session - Hackathon and SwatTank

October 27th | 12:30pm-1:30pm | Parrish West Parlor

Hackathon is November 14-15!

SwatTank applications are due December 10!

Come learn about what these opportunities involve and how you can participate.

Dinnovators - A dinner for student innovators!

October 27th | 5pm-7pm | The Lang Center

You are all invited to October's Dinnovators, a dinner for student innovators!

Dinnovators is a partnership with the Center for Innovation and Leadership and the Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility. This program was brought about to create a space for all the various student innovators, group, and projects to get to know each other, offer skill sharing, and social interaction.

This is an open invitation, so if you know other students who should be here, please bring them along!

Entrepreneurship Mentorship Collective

November 3rd | 8pm-9pm | Zoom

Join this casual, virtual gathering of founders, makers, investors, artists, designers, engineers, and curious minds connecting around a shared interest in entrepreneurship. No previous entrepreneurship experience necessary- this is a space to ask questions and hear a range of perspectives from alumni and students.

Ask An Alum… about food businesses and investing

TBD

David Choe, ‘01, Partner at Clover Capital, Private investment firm focused on acquiring and investing in food & beverage companies. David will share his journey from Swat to food investing and then answer questions from students.

Lunch will be provided.