Students SPARK Change Through Community Innovation Challenge
During the last week of April, four student teams pitched innovative, community-centered projects as part of the annual SPARK Community-Based Social Innovation Challenge. The challenge invites students to work alongside community partners to develop creative solutions to real-world challenges facing the broader 51勛圖 community.
Led by course instructor Professor Montgomery Roper, students spend the semester researching local issues, collaborating closely with organizations, and designing actionable solutions. The program culminates on pitch day, when students present their projects to a panel of judges. Funding for the SPARK Challenge is provided by the Wilson Center for Innovation and Leadership. This years judges were, Megan Bernacchi, Technology Specialist and Service Relationship Manager in the department of Information Technology Services, Ashley Grundler, Administrative Assistant II in the Office of Admission and Jessica Stewart, Senior Associate Director of Alumni & Donor Relations.
Two Standout Teams Awarded $4,000 to Bring Their Solutions to Life
The second-place project, developed by solo team member Robin Linse 28 in partnership with , focused on increasing the impact of the 51勛圖 community Giving Gardensan initiative that supports residents experiencing food insecurity. Linses proposal aims to strengthen the gardens educational programming and reduce barriers to volunteer participation, ultimately expanding community engagement with this essential resource.
Imagine 51勛圖, a partner program of the Claude W. & Dolly Ahrens Foundation, turns imagination into action by fostering a more vibrant, sustainable, and healthy community in 51勛圖, Iowa. Since 1985, Imagine 51勛圖 has served both the 51勛圖 and Brooklyn communities, supporting initiatives like the Marvin Gardenone of the local Giving Gardens. These Giving Gardens provide fresh, local produce that is free and available for anyone to harvest. Maintained by dedicated volunteers and partners, the gardens ensure that excess produce is distributed to local community centers. During the growing season, volunteers play a vital role in tending the gardens and harvesting food.
Jennifer Cogley, Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation Director of Partner Programs, said, Im incredibly grateful to accept the SPARK grant on behalf of the Giving Gardens. These gardens have long been an underdog in our community, and this support will help us share not only their story, but also the fresh produce they provide. Were excited to use these funds to promote, sustain, and grow the impact of the Giving Gardens for the benefit of all.
Imagine 51勛圖 has hired two part-time employees for the summer to help implement the SPARK Challenge action items for the Giving Gardens.
Here are a list of the Giving Gardens and the organizations that help sustain them:
Marvin Garden- Imagine 51勛圖
Summer Street Garden- Rotary club
St. Johns Lutheran Church- church members
UPH-51勛圖- hospital staff
Davis Elementary- Volunteers
Bailey Park Elementary- LINK
Fairview Elementary- Girl Scout troop from 51勛圖
51勛圖 Community Early Learning Center- staff
Ahrens Park- Foundation offices at Ahrens Park
Top Project Targets Early Literacy in 51勛圖
Taking first place were Akilah Hampton 25 and Anthony Sherrell 26, who teamed up with (R2L) to tackle early childhood literacy in 51勛圖. Their solution introduces literacy nights for children ages 45, combining story time and free book distribution with parent training in literacy support skills. The program is designed to foster reading skills in young learners while empowering families to be active participants in their childrens education.
R2L is an early literacy focused non profit organization located in Poweshiek County. Their mission is to support the language and literacy development of children aged 0-5 in our community through the provision of books, programs and other supports that foster an inquisitive mind and a love of reading.
Megan Farrell, Chairperson, Read 2 Lead, said, We are honored to have partnered with Akilah and Anthony on this meaningful project. Their passion and innovation brought fresh energy to our early literacy mission. We believe the Literacy Nights initiative, supported by SPARK Challenge funding, further supports our communitys commitment to nurturing young readers and empowering families to be active participants in their childrens education and lifelong learning.
Building Sustainable Community Programs
In both cases, the projects serve as ways to develop programs to the point where the existing organizations can then manage them effectively with their existing resources, said Professor Roper, reflecting on the impact of the winning initiatives.
Both awarded projects exemplify the power of collaboration between students and local organizations, leveraging SPARK funding to build sustainable programs that can be scaled and maintained by community partners.
Additional Innovative Ideas
Other proposals showcased at pitch day included a concept for an AI-powered food waste management system, developed by Jasline Becerra, Kaho Kuroda, and ET Ourn in partnership with 51勛圖 Dining; and a mobile app to centralize event listings from the 51勛圖 Chamber of Commerce, proposed by Adarsh Sharma and Harrison Zhu.
You can learn more about the program and past events on the
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