Passion Projects

Step 1
Complete an online application by September 13.

Step 2
Interview on September 18 between 5 and 8 p.m.

Step 3
If accepted, confirm your participation by September 23.

Step 4
Show up to our first session on September 25 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Make Room for Innovation (MRI) funding compensates you for the time you invest in developing your idea/project, reducing the time you need to dedicate working on-campus for someone else.

To receive this funding, you will need to apply and be accepted to The Hatchery.* If you are not in The Hatchery, you are not available for MRI funding.

Students receiving MRI funding will be paid the base Smith hourly rate for up to 10 hours of work per week on your project. In the same way that you would be expected to show up to your work study position every week, you are expected to attend all weekly sessions of The Hatchery.

*As this opportunity will serve as on-campus employment, if you hold a position on campus that does not allow for a secondary job, you will not be able to participate. If you are unsure of your eligibility to participate, please speak with Student Employment.

• Build accessible benches that encourage community and connection
• Support women in the digital creator economy
• Launch professional development program for young adults in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone
• Manufacture women’s sporting equipment

The curriculum is designed and led by the Conway Center’s Entrepreneurs-in-Residence. Each brings industry expertise and startup know-how.

Ronald Molina-Brantley
Ron is an entrepreneur and capital strategist focused on equity for minority, women, and LGBTQ+ business owners. He leads E&BC, Seeding Ventures, and Seeding Ventures Capital, building inclusive ecosystems and managing a multi-million-dollar equity fund. With past leadership at Valley Venture Mentors and Head of Multicultural Banking at Berkshire Bank. Ron brings deep experience in access to capital, community finance, and ecosystem design. He specializes in advancing social ventures through sustainable growth, financial innovation, and systemic impact.

Kristin Leutz
Kristin is an ecosystem builder and founder of Petra Impact Partners, which is focused on equitable prosperity through entrepreneurship and social impact. With 25+ years in organizational psychology, philanthropy, and strategy, she’s led in sectors from community foundations to startups. She was CEO of Valley Venture Mentors, Executive Director of Startup Champions Network, and co-led the Ecosystem Builder Leadership Project. Kristin founded two consulting collaboratives and holds a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation.

Jessi Kirley, M.B.A.
Jessi is the founder of JKirley Collective, a consulting practice that specializes in developing emotionally intelligent leadership and dignity-centered workplace cultures. With 20+ years in healthcare, education, and business advising, she coaches leaders and teams to lead with clarity, candor, and impact. As an Authorized Everything DiSC® Partner and Positive Intelligence coach, Jessi delivers high-impact organizational development and is known for her strategic, human-centered approach to culture change.

What is it?
The Hatchery is a flexible idea incubation space for current Smithies who desire to work on building out innovative projects—from ideating to prototyping to validation—with the direct support of staff, subject-matter experts, and their peers. The Hatchery provides a dedicated working space, expert advisers, and relevant programming for even the earliest stage ideas or projects. The Hatchery is designed to improve the chances of your ideas becoming successful, tangible realities.

Fall sessions will focus on introducing you to tools, techniques, and resources needed to make your vision a reality. Spring sessions will focus on defining/refining your idea, building your team, and helping you plan and test the desirability, feasibility, and viability of your idea. *Note: session topics are subject to change based on participant needs.

Where and when is it?
Conveniently located in the Conway Center, Neilson Library Room 103, The Hatchery will meet every Wednesday evening when classes are in session, from 5–8 p.m. (dinner will be provided for all participants).

The space features: moveable tables and chairs, whiteboards, comfortable lounge area, basic “making” materials, helpful books and resources, and games for when you need a break!

I’m not an economics or STEM major. Can I still apply?
YES! The Hatchery is open to all current undergraduate students at Smith, regardless of major or graduation year. Whether this is you are a first year just starting out or a senior getting ready to graduate, you are welcome to participate in this exciting new initiative!

I don’t already have a project. Can I still apply?
YES! We encourage all students interested in meeting and networking with like-minded peers to apply. If you have an interest in creating something new, you’ll discover opportunities to address some of our world’s most pressing challenges. We are excited to join you on your journey from finding an idea that makes you light up, to prototyping, to validation, with the hope that you will continue to grow your idea beyond your time here at Smith!

I can’t commit to weekly meetings. Can I still participate?
YES! If your current commitments won’t allow you to fully participate in The Hatchery at this time, we encourage you to attend the three open sessions each semester (see Activities for details).

My team cannot join me. Can I still apply?
YES! Even if your project team members are not participating in The Hatchery, you are welcome to apply. We highly recommend that your full team schedules and attends regular check-in meetings with an Entrepreneur-In-Residence, to ensure that you are making progress collaboratively and address any concerns about project roles.