Center for Innovation and Leadership

Department Overview

The Center for Innovation and Leadership (CIL) provides opportunities for the Swarthmore community to develop the skills to lead, innovate and create value. Through experiential learning, engaging programs, internships, mentorship, and funding, we offer the tools for students to improve the world around them- by starting a new venture or leading in their community. Collaborating with Swarthmore’s cutting-edge faculty, committed staff, and engaged alumni, the CIL offers the opportunity for Swatties to dream big and apply knowledge for positive impact. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Girls into VC - Sources of Startup Funding Panel

Label: Friday, May 2, 2025 | Zoom | 3-4PM

OPEN TO ALL! Join Girls into VC and the Center for Innovation and Leadership for an Alumni panel on Sources of Startup Funding! Alums will share their experience as Venture Capital investors and their time in the field.

 

RSVP
Rachel Simmons discusses how to fail successfully at her Failure Workshop hosted by the CIL in September. Read more about the workshop here...

Rachel Simmons discusses how to fail successfully at her Failure Workshop hosted by the CIL in September. Read more about the workshop here...

The CIL took 11 students to California for a week of experiential learning on the CIL @SF trip! More here...

 

SwatTank 2017 finalists

The finalists of the 2017 SwatTank Innovation Competition answer questions about their business pitches.

Students

Students have the opportunity to learn, develop, and build skills through LINK workshops throughout the academic year.

The winning team of SwatTank 2016, Sedinam Worlanyo ‘17 (left) and Bolutife Fakoya ‘17, founded a company that produces artisanal backpacks from Africa, each made with a unique design and meaning. More here...

Rachel Simmons discusses how to fail successfully at her Failure Workshop hosted by the CIL in September. Read more about the workshop here...

Photo /
1 of 6