WEST CHESTER, PA — In a world increasingly attuned to the demands of social justice and environmental sustainability, West Chester University (WCU) is positioning itself at the forefront of fostering innovative solutions to pressing global issues. The university’s annual Social Impact Day, taking place on Wednesday, April 3, is set to highlight this commitment through its centerpiece event: the Social Innovation Competition.
Organized by the WCU Cottrell Entrepreneurship Center, the competition is a testament to the university’s dedication to nurturing ideas that promise not only commercial success but also meaningful societal contributions. This year, the event boasts an impressive lineup of judges, including Tess Hart, co-founder of Philadelphia’s Triple Bottom Brewery, known for its commitment to community, environment, and inclusivity.
Hart, whose brewery operates on renewable energy and emphasizes fair chance employment, will participate in a Q&A session, shedding light on how businesses can thrive while upholding values that benefit society at large. The session, slated for 4:30 p.m. at the university’s Business and Public Management Center, is open to the public and promises to offer valuable insights into the intersection of entrepreneurship and social responsibility.
Contestants in the Social Innovation Competition, spanning undergraduate students, graduate students, alumni, faculty, and staff, are tasked with presenting business ideas that address significant social or environmental challenges. Aligning with one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, these ideas range from mental health guidance platforms to sustainable fashion lines, showcasing the diverse ways in which entrepreneurial spirit can drive positive change.
Among the undergraduate finalists are Trevor Marshall, proposing a mental health guidance sharing platform for young adults, and Michael Linebarger, with an idea focused on responsible and sustainable junk removal. On the graduate level, Erica Lucas presents a concept for supporting the mental health of gifted children and their families, while Jake Drap ’22 introduces a sustainable fashion initiative.
Patricia Diggin M’96, director of the Cottrell Center and organizer of the competition, expressed enthusiasm about the event’s potential impact: “The West Chester University Social Innovation Competition is always surprising and inspiring. It opens our eyes and challenges us to support our students in addressing problems that are important to them and to their peers.”
This initiative underscores the growing recognition of the role higher education institutions can play in equipping future leaders with the tools and mindset to tackle global challenges. By encouraging multidisciplinary collaboration and creative problem-solving, WCU is not only contributing to the academic and professional development of its students but also driving forward the agenda for a more equitable and sustainable world.
As the Social Innovation Competition draws attention from across the university and beyond, it serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of combining entrepreneurial zeal with a commitment to social good. With support from partners like TD Bank and the engagement of the broader community, WCU’s Social Impact Day is poised to inspire a new generation of changemakers ready to make their mark on the world.
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