ASU launches innovation fellowship program for retirees

The Distinguished Innovation Fellows program, housed within the Difference Engine at Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, is a new program designed for older adults who hope to continue their education after retirement and solve real-world issues.

The eight-month fellowship will allow fellows to bring in an idea for a global problem to tackle and pair them with a faculty member, or “thought partner,” at ASU. They will take up to three classes per semester for two semesters.

Simultaneously, fellows will work with and mentor Difference Engine students as they build products to combat inequality.

Professor Ehsan Zaffar, the Executive Director of The Difference Engine at Arizona State University, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the program.

“We are a multi-unit at ASU initiatives, so all the schools work with us,” Professor Zaffar said, “…what we are is a venture studio that involves students, faculty, community members…we take an entrepreneurial approach to solving community problems.”

Professor Zaffar emphasized that while most individuals retire at 60-65 years old, that doesn’t mean their career or passion needs to end.

“For many of the folks that work with us in the Distinguished Innovation Fellows Program,” Professor Zaffar said, “…that’s where their second or third career begins.”

It is a year-long Fellowship at Arizona State, but with other locations in Los Angeles, Mesa, Tempe, and Phoenix. It involves a structured program with faculty and students to help deliver on their ideas.

“Maybe you want to change the way animal shelters operate, or you want to help your environment, or you want to change water access riparian rights,” Professor Zaffar said, “…whatever it is, we help you take it from idea to reality.”

Professor Zaffar explained how there are a few limitations to the program, with the only requirement involved being that it is something practical.