Crowdfunding first entered the lexicon in 2006, thanks to entrepreneur Michael Sullivan, who started an incubator for video blog projects that included functionality for fundraising. Since then, the practice of appealing to a large group of people online for a gift to a particular venture or cause has become increasingly common. According to The Huffington Post, this year the number of crowdfunding platforms is expected to reach 2,000, and is driven in part by millennials, who tend to favor mobile and online solutions that offer fast and easy user interactions.
Last spring, Colorado College launched its first crowdfunding campaign and successfully drew the connection between personal activities and the real ways that giving can enhance the CC experience for today’s students. These special initiatives drew nearly $15,000 in funding from all corners of the CC community.
Wilderness First Responder Half-Block
Hosted by CC’s Department of Outdoor Education, the Wilderness First Responder Half-Block course trains students to make critical medical and evacuation decisions in remote locations. The 80-hour (10-day) course is nationally recognized as the standard in wilderness medicine education. Gifts through the fully funded crowdfunding project will allow the department to offer five full or 10 partial scholarships.
Ryan Hammes, director of Outdoor Education, says each year 120 CC students take their initial certification for Wilderness First Responder, which costs $650, or get their recertification.
“It comes down to access,” Hammes says. “As our student demographics change, we want to be inclusive and reach marginalized populations that want to advance themselves in outdoor education and recreation. If you can’t afford training, it puts you at a disadvantage.”
High-definition Video Microscope Camera
The Department of Geology project raised $5,001 to improve its teaching capability by purchasing a new high-definition video microscope camera. Chair and Professor of Geology Jeff Noblett explains that the camera is vital to several classes in the major as well as useful in introductory geology courses.
“The system is put on a petrographic microscope and projects high-resolution images of rock thin-sections for classroom demonstrations. We’re looking forward to using this as a teaching tool. When students understand how to identify minerals and the way the minerals fit together, it helps them identify the processes by which the rock formed. For example, it can show students how to distinguish types of rocks and whether they formed from lava, streams eroding older rocks, or under high pressures,” he says.
Although the department had a camera from the late 1980s, its projection had faded, which made it difficult to distinguish between different minerals.
“We were delighted our project was fully funded, but not at all surprised that our alumni would be supportive,” Noblett says.
Later this fall a new iteration of projects will be launched. Visit https://crowdfund.coloradocollege.edu for details on our new projects, and share those you support with your social networks.
By the Numbers
Wilderness First Responder Course
Goal: $3,250
Raised: $3,303
101% Funded
Geology SPOT Insight Camera
Goal: $5,000
Raised: $5,001
100% Funded
