Changemaker Institute FAQs
Are you considering applying to the Changemaker Institute? See below for some FAQ’s about this program.
What is the Changemaker Institute?
The Changemaker Institute (CI) is a semester-long accelerator program that helps graduate students and select exceptional undergraduates develop businesses or organizations with a social or environmental impact. The program culminates in a public community showcase where participants present their ventures and receive valuable feedback and resources.
Why should I join the Changemaker Institute?
Starting a business—especially one focused on social or environmental impact—can be challenging and isolating. CI offers students a supportive community, structured curriculum, and valuable feedback to nurture their ideas. You will also gain access to a network of mentors and changemakers who can help you further develop and refine your business idea.
What stage should my idea or business be in?
The earlier, the better! You do not need to have fully developed or launched your venture to be eligible for CI. We encourage students with ideas in their early stages to apply, as the program is designed to help you refine and build on your concept. Even if you’re still exploring an idea, CI can give you the tools, resources, and guidance to move forward.
Do I need to have already launched a business to be eligible?
No, you don’t need to have launched your business!
CI welcomes students who are in the process of developing their ideas, whether or not they’ve taken steps to formally launch their venture. We are here to support you in getting started and growing your concept into a viable social impact project.
How does the mentorship component work?
CI Fellows have access to a wide network of mentors. We provide a Mentor Database for Fellows to connect with experienced professionals, while also encouraging students to find and secure their own mentor.
The best part? Mentors in the program are paid, ensuring you get consistent and quality guidance throughout your CI journey. Mentorship is an essential part of CI, helping you navigate challenges and refine your venture.
Is funding available for my venture?
While CI doesn’t directly provide funding, we prepare our Fellows to be more competitive for various funding opportunities, including the Taylor Center’s Changemaker Catalyst Award and Spark Innovation Award. CI participants are better positioned to receive awards like the Taylor Center grants and other Tulane-based or external funding opportunities. Any Tulane student can apply for these awards, and CI Fellows often stand out because of their participation in the program.
Who will be in my cohort?
CI applicants come from diverse backgrounds but share a common goal: to create a business or program with a social or environmental impact. Fellows are either:
- Founders of their own social impact ventures (such as non-profits, programs, student-run organizations, or businesses)=
- Innovators working within existing organizations to build new capacity for change
Our cohorts typically consist of graduate and professional students from various disciplines across Tulane. Occasionally, we accept exceptional undergraduates who have either a deep understanding of the social issue they’re addressing or have lived experience with the problem. Cohort members often form a tight-knit community of like-minded individuals driven to make a positive difference.
Hear recent CI Fellows, Gigi and Jae, talk about their experience in CI.
How does the program work?
Each week, we meet for two hours, moving through an interactive and experiential curriculum to help build out venture ideas. CI Provides Fellows with:
- A supportive, inclusive, and adaptive environment to develop their ideas
- Business development skills through design thinking and lean canvas methodology
- Mentorship from Tulane and New Orleans social entrepreneurial communities (see some of our past speakers and mentors)
- A structured framework to deepen their understanding of social issues
- Preparation for applying to funding opportunities within Tulane and beyond
- Introductions to guest experts and field mentors
- A network of changemakers and a community of like-hearted individuals working towards positive change
What can I expect to learn?
Over the course of the semester, CI Fellows will refine their business or program ideas, test them, and learn how to execute them. The curriculum emphasizes business development skills, design thinking, lean canvas methodology, and gaining insights into social issues. You’ll also learn how to prepare for funding applications and gain valuable feedback from both peers and mentors. See our full draft schedule on the CI Website
Where does the program take place?
CI meets weekly at Propeller, located at 4035 Washington Avenue, New Orleans. Propeller is a nonprofit that supports entrepreneurs working to solve social and environmental disparities. CI Fellows are responsible for their own transportation to the venue, which is about an eight-minute drive from Tulane’s uptown and downtown campuses. Many alumni have continued their work by becoming Fellows at Propeller. Lunch is provided at each session.
What business have come out of CI?
Our alumni include Salon 22, STEM Library Lab, Fund 17, RoboRecovery , SHRI and more!
View past Fellows below:
Who runs this program?
CI is led by Julia Lang and Maggie Sheffer, and supported by a wide range of guest speakers and mentors.