Expanding Opportunity and Education

VMI is well-known for its storied history and record of excellence in producing capable, honorable graduates who serve as leaders in both the public and private sectors. 

Our faculty are dedicated, award-winning researchers and educators, focused on student outcomes and preparing our cadets for life after college, whether in the workforce, military, or advanced education programs.

With that firm foundation, the Institute now looks to the future, encouraging members of our community to go beyond the traditional classroom and delve into new possibilities and opportunities for academic, leadership, and entrepreneurial growth.

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Our Mission

Under the guidance of the director and the Innovation Programming Advisory Committee (IPAC), VMI will develop academic, industry, and government partnerships seeking to offer innovative experiences across the academic curriculum. Collaborative teams of faculty, staff, and cadets will expand research opportunities and engage in hands-on training and experiences beyond the limits of post.

Whether you are a cadet ready to awaken your entrepreneurial spirit, a faculty member intrigued by the prospect of introducing new initiatives, or a business looking for fruitful partnerships, VMI will work to nurture and support you on your path towards innovation and success.

Why is innovation important in colleges and universities?

Innovation programs play a pivotal role in enriching the college experience by developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, fostering creativity and an innovative mindset, and facilitating networking and collaborations for future opportunities.

These programs stimulate participants to think analytically, evaluate different perspectives, and devise innovative solutions to complex problems. Through hands-on projects, cadets learn to dissect challenges into manageable parts and find creative solutions.

By encouraging experimentation and risk-taking, the programs offered by VMI will empower cadets to challenge traditional norms and embrace new ideas. This not only enhances their college experience but also equips them for the ever-changing demands of the professional world.

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VMI's Inaugural Program

Summer Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Program (SUEP)

Establishing a summer undergraduate entrepreneurship program is a first step towards producing graduates, regardless of academic major, who possess the mindset of an entrepreneur. This mindset will make them more effective, business leaders, engineers, scientists, and military officers.

Open to cadets in all academic majors, SUEP consists of a five-week summer course during Summer Session I, field trips to start-up companies and incubators, and interaction with invited speakers, chosen from alumni and business leaders. The 2024 SUEP is offered free of charge to successful applicants through a grant from the Jackson-Hope Fund. Also, program participants will earn 3 elective credits.

The 2024 SUEP is offered free of charge to successful applicants through a grant from the Jackson-Hope Fund.  Also, program participants will earn 3 elective credits.

This year, VMI has joined forces with The Shenandoah Community Capital Fund (SCCF), a 501(c)3 nonprofit entrepreneurial support organization serving the entire Shenandoah Valley.

Learn more about how you can gain hands-on experience, develop your skills, and expand your creativity and teamwork opportunities! Applications are due Friday, April 12.

Program Page | Apply for Summer 2024