If you’ve spent any time at ASU, you’ve probably seen it firsthand. We don’t just talk about making a difference at ASU—students actually do it. From launching nonprofits to building apps that address mental health or creating sustainable products, Sun Devils are stepping up in ways that go far beyond the traditional idea of a startup. For many of us, the goal isn’t just to build something big. We want to build something meaningful.
This whole idea is rooted in what Bill Drayton, founder of the global nonprofit organization Ashoka, calls being a changemaker. A changemaker is someone who sees a problem, decides it’s worth fixing and brings people together to create a solution. It sounds big, but honestly, it’s something students at ASU do every day.
ASU is one of the few universities recognized as an Ashoka Changemaker Campus. This designation was recently renewed by Ashoka U based on the university’s commitment to advancing social innovation. What that means is that our university is committed to giving people real opportunities to create impact, whether in local communities or on a global scale.
What makes this especially powerful today is that students aren’t coming to school in a bubble. Many are balancing school with work, family responsibilities and complicated life experiences. We’re dealing with real issues, and a lot of us want our education to help us do something about them. That’s exactly where ASU’s changemaker ecosystem comes in.
So What Does It Mean to Be a Changemaker at ASU?
At ASU, a changemaker is anyone who:
- Cares about a problem
- Wants to make things better
- Knows collaboration is key
- Builds solutions with a bigger purpose behind them
And yes—this absolutely connects to entrepreneurship. It’s the kind of entrepreneurship that puts solving real problems ahead of profit. That framing resonates with a lot of students and our broader community. This is true especially now, because doing work that creates real impact develops agency and purpose for a future that might feel more unpredictable than ever.
Not every changemaker is trying to build a business, but every changemaker is building something: a movement, a solution, a community or a new way forward.
How You Can Get Involved (Even If You’re Not Sure Where to Start)
One of the best things about ASU? There’s no perfect way to start making an impact. You can jump in wherever you feel comfortable.
1. Volunteer and Meet People
Changemaker Central hosts volunteer opportunities throughout the year focused on service, sustainability, social entrepreneurship, innovation and civic engagement. The program is student-led, which means students are empowering other students to transform their passions into real impact.
2. Join Clubs That Match Your Interests
No matter what cause you care about—education, sustainability, technology, human rights, health or something entirely unique—there’s likely a student organization dedicated to it at ASU. And if not, ASU makes it pretty easy to start one.
3. Take Classes That Help You Explore Social Issues
Choose courses that challenge you to think critically about real-world problems and give you hands-on experience with social impact. Many ASU professors incorporate community-focused projects directly into their curriculum, and several degree programs are designed specifically for students who want to make meaningful change.
4. Share Your Ideas at Campus Events Like Change the World
Each spring, hundreds of students come together to showcase their ideas, research and ventures. It’s inspiring, high-energy and a great place to meet collaborators or just see what other students are up to.
Ready to Build Something? Here’s Where ASU Really Shines.
If your idea starts to grow beyond a class project or volunteer effort, the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute offers pathways to turn it into something real.
This is where a lot of student ventures get their start. Venture Devils connects ASU students with mentors, gives access to training and workshops and helps students prepare to pitch for funding. There’s a whole competitive funding track specifically for social innovation projects. Whether it’s a for-profit venture, a nonprofit idea in development or even a social awareness campaign, the Venture Devils program is one of several offerings from the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute relevant to the journey as a changemaker.
Here, you’ll explore how to balance mission-driven goals with financial sustainability. Nonprofits and advocacy initiatives still require a deep understanding of their audiences and competitive landscape to make a lasting difference. With an entrepreneurial mindset, students are creating social-impact ventures that are both purposeful and strategically grounded.
Recent student teams have earned funding for projects focused on everything from climate action to youth empowerment to improving mental health access. If you’ve got an idea with purpose behind it, this is where you go to test it, grow it and maybe even get funded.
Why Purpose Really Matters for Students Today
Most students today aren’t just juggling classes. Many are:
- Working long hours
- Caring for family
- Navigating financial pressures
- Dealing with real-world issues that shape what they care about
Because of that, “purpose-driven work” isn’t just trendy—it’s personal. Students want to build solutions that come from their own experiences and values. And ASU’s system makes it possible to build those solutions while earning a degree.
Finding Your Personal Path to Purpose
There’s no single roadmap to becoming a changemaker.
What matters is that ASU provides space to explore, experiment, build and connect with people who genuinely want to see you succeed.
Looking Beyond ASU
If you’re thinking about taking your idea outside the university, competitions like the TCU Neeley School of Business Values and Ventures Competition offer mentorship and funding for student entrepreneurs building purpose-driven ventures. It’s a great next step once you’ve tested your idea through something like Venture Devils. This global competition shows that there is a growing demand around the world for students who innovate with both purpose and profit in mind.
Wrapping It Up: Purpose Is the New Path Forward
You don’t need to have a fully polished idea to be a changemaker. You just need the desire to make something better—and the willingness to start somewhere.
At ASU, you’ll find the tools, community and support to build something meaningful. Purpose isn’t just a buzzword here—it’s a way of learning, leading and creating that’s becoming part of who we are as Sun Devils. If you’re a student or recent graduate interested in entrepreneurship, Edson E+I offers the support you need to continue your entrepreneurial journey or discover how to get started.
You aren’t just here to study the world. You’re here to change it. Learn more here.
