The Problems to Possibilities (P2P) program, facilitated by The Center for Entrepreneurship and Family Business at North Dakota State University is launching its fall semester with a high-energy kickoff meeting on Tuesday, September 16, from 4:00–6:00 PM in the Memorial Union, Nueta Room. Open to all NDSU students, this program provides a transformative experience in social entrepreneurship, and a chance to compete for thousands in prize money.
At the kickoff meeting, students will learn how the program works, meet peers, and begin exploring the challenges they’re passionate about; be it social, environmental, or economic.
“P2P is more than a competition,” says Program Coordinator Jennifer Schillinger. “It’s a hands-on learning experience that empowers students to think differently, collaborate deeply, and build solutions that matter. The opportunities that come out of this program are truly life-changing.”
And she’s not exaggerating. Just ask Marcel Roy Domalanta, a past participant whose team earned international honors at the Map the System global finals in Oxford, England. Their project, “Saving Science: Why PhD Students Quit?” tackled systemic issues in academia and earned recognition for Excellence in Storytelling.
“Systems thinking taught me to step into the shoes of those most affected,” Domalanta said. “It’s not about fixing a single part. It’s about seeing the whole.” His advice to future participants? “Go all in and be purposeful. Every insight and every connection has the power to shift the system, if you’re brave enough to let it.”
Other P2P alumni have gone on to compete in global innovation challenges, like Pooyan and Benjamin Vahidi Pashaki, whose AI-powered startup Elevate BioTech earned runner-up honors at the Fowler Global Social Innovation Challenge. Their journey began in the P2P program, where they received mentorship and support to turn their research into a venture with real-world impact.
This year’s program culminates in the Possibilities Pitch Event on December 8, where students will present their work, share their vision, and compete for prize money and a spot in the prestigious P2P Social Entrepreneurship Fellowship.
For more details and to RSVP for the meeting, visit thinkp2p.org or contact Jennifer Schillinger at [email protected].