Acara is a leadership incubator program open to students from any discipline who want to be part of solving real-world challenges, like equitable access to clean water, health care, energy, and healthy food. We support students with a passion, project, or idea as they take it to the next level – whether that be developing an app or student group, starting an advocacy campaign, or developing a social enterprise.
This happens through programming that includes:
- Courses – on the Twin Cities campus, in India and Puerto Rico
- Non-credit programs, such as the Graduate Changemakers Lab
- Funding to pilot venture ideas
- Free coaching from incredible faculty and community leaders
We are also more than a program – Acara is a community. Our network of partners provide ongoing support and coaching to students, helping them better understand the challenges communities face and how to develop viable solutions.
By being a part of Acara, you will learn:
How to develop and work on multidisciplinary teams.
Human-centered design and an entrepreneurial mindset.
The top skills that employers are seeking, including analytical, problem-solving, communication, public speaking, and leadership skills.
Acara News
Acara offers a lot of opportunities for students who want to see change happen. Whether you’re an undergrad or graduate…
The Graduate Changemakers Lab is designed to give students a freedom for innovation and collaboration that transcends a traditional classroom…
Last spring, Heidi Vesterinen took the Acara course GCC 5501 Knowledge to Impact: Creating Action with your Grand Challenge Project…