Help your students create change, build belonging, and connect with their community
You'll discover an action-oriented community building framework that you can embed directly into your university class, capstone project, or program. Guaranteed to help your students more meaningfully engage with and contribute to their surrounding community.
EMPOWER YOUR STUDENTS TO CREATE CHANGESOME OF OUR PREVIOUS ACADEMIC PARTNERS HAVE INCLUDED:
TAILORED TO SUPPORT UNIVERSITY LEADERS
Transform Your Students from Passive Consumers into Engaged Community Leaders
You'll get access to a proven 6-step framework that will help you:
- Increase student engagement and participation
- Connect students more meaningfully to one another and their broader community
- Unlock practical and experiential facilitation techniques and activities to level-up your teaching style
- Empower students to tangible impact their community by pursuing and implementing creative ideas.
- Network your students with fellow community builders around the world
We've built and tested the framework.
All you have to do is tailor it to your campus!
EMPOWER YOUR STUDENTS TO CREATE CHANGE
Did you know that although 87% of young people believe in theory that they can create change, 74% of them feel ill-equipped because they don't know how to get started.
2019 YMCA Poll
INTRODUCING THE PROGRAM
How to Design Creative Communities Program
Take the Guesswork out of Designing Engaging Learning Experiences!
This program consists of 6 modules that will guide you and your students through how to creatively impact your community. All participants will get access to:
- Dozens of video lessons on assessing community needs and developing innovative solutions
- Tangible activities and weekly challenges to practically apply their learning
- An 80-page Field Guide full of prompts and guidance that is designed to be taken into the streets
- An online peer-learning community to grow their network and find accountability
- One group coaching call with Spud to encourage and inspire creative action for your students
IT'S NICE TO MEET YOU
Hi, I'm Spud 👋
Since 2010, I have worked with more than 75 universities and trained over 10,000 emerging leaders in creative community building.
I've applied this framework in university capstone projects, first-year seminars, study abroad courses, honors programs, and tailored workshops for student club leaders.
Beyond my work within higher education, I’ve raised more than $1 million in investment capital for community-driven social enterprises. The process works and I promise you’ll be in good hands.
Here's What Others Are Saying...
"When it comes to making learning and classrooms fun, 70% of what I do has a Spud influence to it."
Josh Nadzam – Nonprofit Leader and Professor at the University of Kentucky
"It is magical to watch Spud bring college student to life. He is the relationship that keeps on giving.
Arshiya Kherani – Social Entrepreneur & Collaborator on College Student Retreats
"This course allowed me to dream big while discovering tangible steps for how to get there."
Adam Lahlou – Past Student of the Program Embedded in a Study Abroad Course
HOW IS THE PROGRAM STRUCTURED?
Discover the CANVAS Framework
The CANVAS Framework consists of 6 steps to help you cultivate community in the places you live, work, learn, and play. Discover practical techniques that are grounded in research and proven through practice. This course is action-oriented and gets you building community – not just studying it – from day one!
MODULE 1
Chart Your Path
Determine what success would look like, how your unique style will influence the idea, and how to move past fears preventing you from getting started.
MODULE 2
Ask Probing Questions
Get a pulse on what your community needs by getting face-to-face, testing your assumptions, and learning how to ask curious questions.
MODULE 3
Name Early Adopters
Identify those who are most eager to rally behind your idea and build momentum by asking for deeper engagement over time and incrementally.
MODULE 4
Visualize a Prototype
Develop moments of wonder, which are small experiments to tangibly test your idea and learn what works. Think small, cheap, and fast to test the boundaries of what's possible.
MODULE 5
Articulate Your Story
Design a clear and compelling narrative for your project that stands out and is easily shareable, while leveraging various media forms.
MODULE 6
Sustain Efforts with Partners
Find partnerships that satisfy a mutual need and learn how to lean on your network's trust as a critical currency of partnership-building.
BULK RATE EDUCATIONAL DISCOUNT
75% off for Universities
The program can be purchased at a discounted rate for groups of 20 or more students. Either have your students purchase the program as part of their coursework or pay upfront for everyone to access for free. Reach out to our team for more details.
GET STARTED TODAY!
How to Design Creative Communities Program
14-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE
Not sure if the program will be a good fit? That’s ok! Give it a try for yourself risk-free. We offer a money-back guarantee for the first 14 days if you find the program isn’t a helpful tool to use on your campus. No questions asked!
Not ready for the full program? Consider using our book "Designing Creative Communities" as part of your class curriculum instead.
EXPLORE THE BOOK