The Innovation Scholar Program is a highly interdisciplinary academic minor with a mission to equip students with the knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to sustainability, social justice, environmental stewardship, cultural diversity, and economic well-being.
With close mentorship and opportunities for global and cross-cultural learning, scholars will be ready to tackle the complex challenges of our time and to make a positive impact on the Ithaca community and the world.
Innovation Scholars receive an annual scholarship of up to $36,000 for each of the four years of their IC undergraduate education.
The focus of the Innovation Scholar Program is on sustainability and social justice. We define sustainability to include economic sustainability, social sustainability, human sustainability, and environmental sustainability. Sustainability at its core defines a system within which present needs are met without compromising the ability of the system to provide for future needs. In this broad context, students can engage with sustainability from the perspective of any academic discipline or line of inquiry. Social justice is inherently intertwined with sustainability goals, recognizing that some people are differently burdened by environmental and social problems and aspiring to equitable access to rights, privileges, and material wealth.