An Alumnus Request: Foster Innovation in Public Service

My relationship with MIT started in 1973 as a 17-year-old freshman from rural Washington State. After nine years at the Institute, plus 30 years working at 3M Company, I grew to recognize and appreciate MIT as an incubator of ideas.

For the past 11 years, I've been involved in partnerships with communities in the southern highlands of Tanzania, working to address the challenges they face related to health, education, and economic development. In 2010, as I explored opportunities for additional interactions with these communities, I met with Sally Susnowitz of MIT's Public Service Center who introduced me to the IDEAS Global Challenge.

The reason I got involved with the IDEAS Global Challenge is very simple: I was asked!

IDEAS presents the opportunity for MIT student teams to conceive innovative solutions to the challenges faced by underserved communities. Through IDEAS, I've been able to link student teams with non-governmental organizations in Tanzania that are working to solve similar problems.

IDEAS bridges MIT's world of technological ideas with the challenges faced by developing communities, and I am proud to serve as an online judge and team mentor. The enthusiasm of MIT students is infectious. I’ve gained a great deal from my limited participation, more than compensating me for the time I've invested.

If this sounds like an interesting opportunity, then let me be the person to ask: Will you become involved with the IDEAS Global Challenge?

Here are three ways to get involved:

1. Visit IDEAS Global Challenge and offer your help. Teams are looking for mentors, advisors, and additional team members.
2. Connect your local alumni chapter with IDEAS.
   • In New York City, the first "Do Good Auction" connected alumni and entrepreneurs with students-led teams, where they shared their connections, advice, and resources. Other alumni chapters, such as the MIT Club of Minnesota, host IDEAS students and communicate with IDEAS staff about the latest projects.
3. Be part of an IDEAS volunteer team that plans educational programs, develops mentorship models, and works with student teams. Contact globalchallenge@mit.edu for more information.

Ken Smith '77, SM '79, PhD '82