Passion Projects

Regardless of your major, background, or phase of journey, the Conway Center provides the space and resources needed to turn your passion project into reality.

Getting Started

Explore exciting classes that will help you understand global problems, learn cool methods, and figure out solutions. This is just a glimpse of all that is available. You can find more details on these and other courses by searching through the course catalog.

  • ANT 229: African and the Environment
  • BIO 101: Modern Biology for the Concerned Citizen
  • BIO 206: Plant Physiology
  • CCX 120: Community-Based Learning: Ethics and Practice
  • CHM 108: Environmental Chemistry
  • CSC 256: Human-Computer Interaction
  • ECO 125: Game Theory
  • ECO 214: Anti-Trust Economics
  • ECO 224: Environmental Economics
  • EGR 100ee Topics: Engineering for Everyone-Energy and the Environment
  • ENV 101: Sustainability and Social-Ecological Systems
  • GEO 108: Oceanography: An Introduction to the Marine Environment
  • GOV 240: NGOs in World Politics
  • HST 157: Africa and the Making of the Modern World
  • IDP 123: Introduction to Collaborative Innovation
  • PHI 204: Philosophy and Design
  • PHI 238: Environmental Ethics
  • PPL 220: Public Policy Analysis
  • REL 109: Rest
  • SWG 238: Women, Money and Transnational Social Movements

  • EDC 311: Rethinking Equity and Teaching for English Language Learners
  • ENV 201: Researching Environmental Problems
  • IDP 116: Introduction to Human-Centered Design
  • PHY 117: Introductory Physics

Imaging Center: offers image collections, software training, 2D and 3D printing and scanning, virtual and augmented reality development, equipment checkout, studio and exhibition support, and specialized technical support in our computer labs.

Prototyping Studio: where your ideas come to life! The studio offers laser cutters, a vinyl cutter, sewing machines, and 3d printers. We also collect a whole variety of scrap foam, plastic, cardboard, and many more random knick knacks that encourage sustainable and reuse friendly making.

Spatial Analysis Lab: promotes spatial literacy and the creative processes in critical map-making, through the use of GIS and related technologies like Global Positioning Systems (GPS), remote sensing, and drones.

The Sphere: connect with local entrepreneurs seeking interns and founders willing to help you with your customer discovery research.

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 to 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.

The Hatchery

Smith’s idea lab is for those ready to access the tools, techniques, and practices needed to make your passion projects real. Whether you are a seasoned innovator looking to build, scale, or fund a well-developed venture, or a newbie curious about the practice of problem identification and exploration, The Hatchery offers space, time, support, and dedicated accountability.

Students admitted to The Hatchery are named Conway Fellows, commit to working on your passion projects for at least five (5) hours per week, and receive a stipend for your work.

The Hatchery application process requires information about you, your idea, your goal, your team, your actions-to-date, a short pitch video, and an interview. You may join as an individual or as part of a team (all team members need to complete their own application).

Applying

The Hatchery is now accepting applications! Even if your project team members are not participating in The Hatchery, you are welcome to apply.

Apply Now

Entrepreneur-in-Residence

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.

Student Spotlight

Paige Abrey ’27

Major: Government and the Study of Women, Gender & Sexuality

Concentration: Collaborative Innovation

Paige entered the 2026 Imagination Challenge to explore entrepreneurship, creativity, and build a venture based on passion and collaboration. BeeLo is a travel app that works to empower students to build community with the local area.

“Through the Conway Center, I have learned to problem solve quickly, be precise and purposeful with my language, and confident with my ideas. As someone with no experience in business, economics, technology or even math, this was something completely new…I was able to build something I am really proud of and develop new skills!”
Paige Abrey ’27

Elevator Pitch Contest

Want a low-stakes way to test your idea? Check out the annual Elevator Pitch Contest.

Since 2004, Smithies have been using 90 seconds to pitch a product, service, or experience to receive feedback and for a chance to win cash prizes. Contestants speak from the heart to convince a panel of judges about the viability of their idea. Students who do not already have an idea may consider pitching themselves just to get public speaking practice under their belts.