University of Richmond
IN-47: Innovation A

A&S NEXT is a career program created specifically for A&S students to provide the tools needed to understand their personal strengths and how they can translate a Richmond education into a meaningful career they will love. Students meet alumni with unexpected and interesting career paths and gain hands-on experience exploring and solving real-world problems alongside alums and faculty who work to solve these problems in their own careers every day.

A&S NEXT begins with an opportunity for participants to learn about their personal strengths and how they can be applied in individual and group settings. Students then dig into their case studies, guided by the advice of faculty and alumni who are experts in that field. Each group develops a presentation highlighting their findings and proposed solutions. The first day concludes with an opportunity for students to chat with faculty and alumni and gain insights that can help them with their major and career exploration.

On Day 2, each student group delivers their presentation to an audience and has an opportunity to learn about the topics other student groups examined. At the conclusion of the program, students reflect on their A&S NEXT experience and identify next steps for further exploration.

Topics for A&S Next 2021 included Climate Change, Immigration, Democracy, and Wellbeing.

CLIMATE CHANGE: Although Earth's climate has always changed over time, the accelerated pace of these changes in recent years presents serious concerns for the health of the planet and all its inhabitants. This case study will examine the impacts of climate change on the local community and explore interventions to address the challenges and concerns.

HEALTH & WELL-BEING: The global pandemic brought to light myriad health issues related to the COVID-19 virus and many other challenges related to human health & well-being. Indeed, it also forced personal and collective discussions on the meaning and significance of public health systems, health care, and scientism among other health related matters. In this case, participants will reflect upon a salient health challenge in the local community and identify strategies for improving outcomes.

IMMIGRATION & RESETTLEMENT: The state of Virginia is home to a large population of migrants who come from a variety of countries, backgrounds, and situations. Students working on this case study will learn more about the experiences of migrants, including challenges and barriers faced, and provide recommendations for ways to better support migrants' adjustment to life in the United States.

THE FUTURE OF DEMOCRACY: Experts at the Pew Research Center, among other think tanks, note that democracy is in crisis as it has been experiencing a recession for the past ten years. The COVID-19 global pandemic that struck in early 2020 has exacerbated already fragile governance structures and societies the world over are experiencing a strong backlash to democratic systems of government that have largely been the hallmark of developed nations for generations. This case will explore issues and concerns that pertain to the roles, rights, and responsibilites of citizens in our current democracy.

ARTS, CREATIVITY, & CULTURE: The arts are integral to the social, civic, and economic well-being and vitality of the nation. Art allows communities to learn and to think critically, communicate from afar, generating positivity, appreciation and hope during COVID-19. Nonetheless, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a devastating impact on the U.S.' arts sector, which has been slower to recover than other industries. This case will explore the critical role arts, creativity, and culture play in the life and livelihood of individuals and communities.