This is a collaborative project across the following institutions: Seattle University, Cal Poly Humboldt State University, St. Francis University, St. Mary’s University, and Utah Tech University. The EPIIC award is to establish an innovation ecosystem in a cohort-based model specifically designed for primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs). The cohort comprises a diverse range of institutions with varying demographics, sizes, missions, and locations.
The primary goals of this project are twofold:
to develop innovation capacity within the cohort institutions and
to collectively establish best practices and foster a community of innovation for PUIs.
This regional ecosystem encompasses several rural institutions, many of which cater to low-income and first-generation students, while others have a significant representation of historically underrepresented students in STEM fields. The cohort is deeply committed to implementing institutional changes that expand access to career opportunities requiring advanced skills in their respective regions. The overarching aim is to cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship among the cohort members, empowering each institution to play an expanded role within the regional economy.
The award's purpose is to establish a Symbiotic Collaboration for Regional Ecosystem (SCORE) cohort, which introduces an innovative approach to enhancing STEM innovation capacity. This approach stems from the cohort's undergraduate-focused mission and its strong emphasis on students and the communities they serve. The proposed project envisions a community-based approach, fostering the development of best practices in various aspects of innovation and partnerships, including workforce development, experiential learning, research and innovation, industry partnerships, investors, entrepreneurship, and regulatory issues. Operating as a community of practice, the cohort of primarily undergraduate institutions will collaborate, learn, and grow together while upholding the values of inclusive excellence as a central aspect of the project.
The greatest collective impact the cohort will have will come from the increased capacity to serve the regions’ economic and community needs and to expand institutional capacity to provide access for students into an advanced, quickly evolving STEM workforce. A broader impact of this cohort-based learning community for innovation will result in infrastructure for innovation capacity, continued collaborations, enhancing innovation capacity for the STEM workforce, and developing models and best practices for PUIs nationwide.
Cal Poly Humboldt State University
Cal Poly Humboldt State University is using its EPIIC funding to strengthen innovation capacity and expand workforce development opportunities within its rural region. As a member of the SCORE cohort, Cal Poly Humboldt is committed to building partnerships with industry, fostering experiential learning, and supporting students from low-income and historically underrepresented backgrounds in STEM. Through collaboration with fellow primarily undergraduate institutions, the university aims to create lasting models of innovation that enhance access to advanced career opportunities and drive regional economic growth.
Saint Francis University
Saint Francis University is using its EPIIC grant to grow a regional innovation ecosystem that connects students, faculty, and industry partners. Through its Curry Innovation Center, the university will provide experiential learning opportunities, student internships, and faculty-supported research collaborations focused on solving real-world industry challenges. By building institutional knowledge and external partnerships, SFU aims to enhance workforce development and drive economic innovation across rural Pennsylvania.
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota will leverage its EPIIC grant to launch the Center for Business Analytics, advancing workforce development and regional economic growth. The Center will offer training programs, industry workshops, and hands-on learning experiences in business intelligence, data analytics, and AI technologies. These efforts support Saint Mary’s vision to position itself as a thought leader in technology-driven business education and innovation.
Seattle University
Seattle University’s EPIIC grant is supporting cross-disciplinary innovation between its College of Science and Engineering and Albers School of Business and Economics. The university will use the funding to strengthen workforce development, experiential learning, and industry partnerships focused on emerging technologies. Through collaboration with regional industries and partner institutions, Seattle University aims to broaden participation in inclusive innovation ecosystems and amplify its impact on STEM-driven economic growth.