Become a ChangeMaker!

Innovators and entrepreneurs are the people who challenge the status quo, tackle big problems, and turn bold ideas into real-world impact. They create value, drive change, and shape the future.

You don’t need a business degree, a perfect plan, or a team of experts to start. You just need curiosity, passion, and the drive to make things better.

Change-makers don’t wait for permission. They spot problems and take action. They imagine a better future and then build it. There is a change-maker in YOU and now is the time to tap into it.

Your ChangeMaker journey starts now.

ChangeMaker Series

The ChangeMaker Series is where big ideas and bold action begin.

This is your launchpad into the world of innovation and impact, right here on campus and beyond. The ChangeMaker Series is a five-session, high-energy masterclass for any student who’s curious about innovation, problem-solving, and what it means to create meaningful impact in any field. This isn’t just theory…its action. You’ll learn from real-world change-makers, connect with other motivated students, and explore frameworks and tools to take on challenges that matter to you.

What will you do?

  • Explore concepts such as human-centered design, social innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking.
  • Hear from a curated lineup of guest speakers who’ve built their own paths to change.
  • Work alongside a cohort of fellow aspiring change-makers from across campus.
  • Reflect, brainstorm, and develop your ChangeMaker mindset and skillset.

What do you get?

  • A Certificate of Completion to celebrate your hard work
  • Eligibility for our ChangeMaker Scholar Recognition Program, where you embark on a customized journey exploring and immersing yourself in innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities and experiences to build your change-making mindset, skillset, and capabilities
  • A new community of friends and collaborators who care about what they do and the world they are shaping

Who can join?

The ChangeMaker Series is open to all University of Pittsburgh students, postdocs, and UPMC residents. Students from all levels, disciplines, and backgrounds are encouraged to attend. Anyone can be a change-maker!

What does it cost?

Nothing but your time, energy, and an open mind

Why you’ll love the ChangeMaker Series…

  • Meet your people: Creative thinkers, future founders, doers, dreamers, and world-changers
  • Learn by doing: Hands-on activities, real-life stories, interactive content, and a curated resource library
  • Discover your impact zone: Uncover what matters to you and how to turn that into meaningful change
  • Level up: Earn your Certificate of Completion and begin working towards becoming a ChangeMaker Scholar

Fall 2025 BIC ChangeMaker Series Session Dates:

*Dates, times, and topics covered are subject to change.

All sessions will be held in-person at the Big Idea Center (3601 Forbes Avenue). There will be NO virtual option for the ChangeMaker Series. 

Session Datesstudents viewing presentation

Registration Deadline – Sunday, September 14 @ 11:59 P.M. (online)

  1. Thursday, September 18 (3:30 – 5:30 P.M.)
  2. Thursday, October 2 (3:30 – 5:30 P.M.)
  3. Thursday, October 16 (3:30 – 5:30 P.M.)
  4. Thursday, October 30 (3:30 – 5:30 P.M.)
  5. Thursday, November 13 (3:30 – 5:30 P.M.)

Session Topics

The ChangeMaker Series will cover the following topics. Participants will receive a full schedule and speaker list once added to their cohort Canvas site. Session topics are subject to change.

  • Becoming a ChangeMaker: Where the Journey Begins and Where it Can Lead
  • Seek First to Understand: The Power of Curiosity and Empathic Inquiry
  • Creating and Delivering Value: Defining Your ‘Why’ and the Mechanisms to Implement Change and Impact
  • Human Centricity in Creative Problem-Solving and Creating a Culture of Change
  • Bringing it All Together to Create Change

Rules/Guidelines

This program is a 5-part education opportunity that requires active participation and completion of course-related content. In order to receive a Certificate of Completion and be eligible to participate in the ChangeMaker Scholar recognition program, each individual must:

  • Attend ALL in-person sessions
  • Actively participate as part of each session
  • Come to each session prepared by engaging with the provided resources (Canvas) on each topic
  • Complete a brief reflection (250 words) on each session to receive credit for attending

Where to sign up…

Registration for the Fall 2025 ChangeMaker Series is now open! Complete the registration form at the link below. The ChangeMaker Series is a limited capacity program open to Pitt Students, Pitt PostDocs, and UPMC Residents. We highly encourage interested individuals to apply sooner rather than later. 

ChangeMaker Series Registration

 

ChangeMaker Scholar Recognition Program

The Big Idea Center is inviting Pitt students – at any level, in any discipline – to become a change-maker in your field. The ChangeMaker Scholar Recognition Program is an opportunity for students engaged in innovation and entrepreneurial experiential programming to work towards formal recognition of accomplishments from the University of Pittsburgh’s Big Idea Center and Office if Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Whether you have a Big Idea to develop or want to hone your entrepreneurial skillset, this journey toward achievement can be easily integrated into your existing schedule and customized to your individual goals.

Students of any level and discipline are eligible to pursue ChangeMaker Scholar status at any point in their studies.  Throughout this process, students will build an entrepreneurial BODY OF KNOWLEDGE through participation in the ChangeMaker Series, EXPLORE various facets of innovation and entrepreneurial action to help build their knowledge and skillsets in change-making, and IMMERSE themselves in experiential learning opportunities to apply their skills to real-world problem solving.

Why enroll in the ChangeMaker Scholar Recognition Program?

  • Students who achieve ChangeMaker Scholar status will receive:
    • A Certificate of Achievement
    • Graduation regalia
  • ChangeMaker Scholar recognition, along with associated skills, can be used as a unique addition to a professional resume.
  • Participation in all three program milestones will provide students with a unique portfolio of network connections, creative materials, and demonstrated experiences that will be extremely useful when engaging with prospective employers and recruiters.

The program is designed so that students are able to attain ChangeMaker Scholar status and recognition in 1 ½ to 2 years while pursuing your academic interests and degree. Upon completing the program, you will earn a recognition of achievement, receive academic regalia that recognizes you as a ChangeMaker Scholar, and a sharable portfolio that documents your experience and achievements.

If you are interested in learning more about the ChangeMaker Scholar Recognition Program and related requirements, please reach out to Jess Malandro, Assistant Director of the Big Idea Center, at jmalandro@innovation.pitt.edu.