DifferenceMaker

09/08/2026

♻️ Interested in sustainability and exploring future career opportunities?

UMass Lowell undergraduate students can apply for the FREE Northeast Sustainable Materials Career Program!

The program includes a Career Exploration Event on November 9 with facility tours, lunch, transportation, and a career panel, plus the opportunity to complete an online sustainable materials and recycling course and earn a professional development certificate.

Spots are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

📅 Apply by October 9 through the interest form!

09/07/2026

Mark your calendars! 📅

The Rist DifferenceMaker Institute has a full lineup of events this fall, from networking and workshops to competitions and more. Save these dates and join us for an exciting Fall 2026 semester! ✨

Already know your schedule? Registration link is in bio!

09/02/2026

Kick off the semester with DifferenceMaker! 🚀

Join us for our Fall Kick-Off for an evening of innovation, creative thinking, networking, and opportunities to turn your ideas into action. Plus, enjoy free food and connect with other students! 💡

📅 September 16, 2026
⏰ 5–7 PM
📍 Meehan Student Center, Room 260

Open to all UMass Lowell students — we hope to see you there!

Registration here: https://bit.ly/46bj4mo

09/01/2026

Welcome back, River Hawks! 📚

A new semester means new ideas, new opportunities, and new ways to make a difference. We’re excited to see what you’ll accomplish this fall! 💡

Have an idea, want to get involved, or just curious about DifferenceMaker? Stop by DifferenceMaker Central in the basement of Lydon Library, next to Starbucks, Room 012. Come say hi and see what we’re all about!

08/31/2026

The Engagement Fair was a blast! 🥳

We had an amazing time today meeting so many River Hawks and sharing all the ways students can get involved with DifferenceMaker. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table, asked questions, and learned more about turning ideas into action!

We can’t wait to see what you’ll create this semester! 🛠️

Click our link in bio to register for our next event! 💙

08/31/2026

08/31/2026

08/20/2026

A huge thank you to the UMass Lowell Fabric Discovery Center for their generous donation to DifferenceMaker! 🧵💙

We’re excited to now have a sewing machine available at DifferenceMaker Central for students working on sewing, fabric, or prototyping projects.

Have an idea you’re bringing to life? Stop by DifferenceMaker Central in the bottom floor of Lydon Library, Room 012, and check it out!

Thank you UML Fabric for supporting student creativity and innovation! 💡

07/06/2026

That’s a wrap on the 2026 Rist DifferenceMaker Institute Demo Day & Startup Expo! 🚀

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate the innovation, creativity, and hard work of our student entrepreneurs. It was an inspiring evening filled with venture pitches, prototype demonstrations, and meaningful conversations with our founders.

Congratulations to all of our Summer Boot Camp teams for showcasing their incredible progress, and a special congratulations to Bridget Operations, this year’s Fan Favorite winner! 🎉

Thank you to our students, mentors, judges, staff, families, alumni, and community members for making Demo Day such a memorable event. We can’t wait to see what’s next for these founders! ✨