For the last decade, the Department of Engineering and Society has been steadily building one of the most innovative programs for student entrepreneurship in the country. Under the leadership of Elizabeth Pyle, associate director for technology entrepreneurship, and Alexander Zorychta, coordinator for student entrepreneurs, it has pioneered a community-based approach to entrepreneurship education. Although the department offers a host of courses for budding entrepreneurs, Pyle and Zorychta have found that fostering a vital entrepreneurial community outside the classroom has been essential to the success of the program. “Students are more likely to devote the time and effort needed to create new ventures when they are part of a supportive community of practice that includes entrepreneurs at every stage of development,†Pyle said.