Social entrepreneurs make changes that grow communities. Social entrepreneurs find what is not working and solve the problem by changing the system, spreading the solution, and persuading communities to take new chances; they seize opportunities others miss in order to improve systems, develop and disseminate new approaches and advance sustainable solutions that create social value. The Aaron L. Levitt Social Entrepreneurship Challenge is a collaborative effort for community, agencies and students to connect to make a difference in Kansas City communities and beyond.
The Aaron L. Levitt Social Entrepreneurship Challenge is currently integrated into the experiential course, “Social Impact in Urban America”. Students have the opportunity to work with wicked urban challenges facing the Kansas City region to improve the quality of life for the broader community.
The Levitt Social Entrepreneurship Challenge exemplifies the Bloch School vision by: giving students and community persons an experiential learning opportunity to put theory into practice; teaching how be more like our benefactor Henry W. Bloch through understanding of the importance of giving back; and developing entrepreneurial and innovative thinkers in the nonprofit and public sector.
In 2011, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce unveiled the city’s Big 5 Ideas, five initiatives designed to elevate the Kansas City region onto the world stage and make the area one of America’s best places to work, live, start a business, and grow a business. These community-based projects take advantage of the area’s world-class organizations and the spirit of our citizens to inspire innovation in our region. The Levitt Challenge supports several of these initiatives, including the Urban Core Neighborhood initiative and Making Kansas City America’s Most Entrepreneurial City.
The Aaron L. Levitt Social Entrepreneurship Challenge was made possible by funds established in memory of Aaron Levitt upon his death in 1988. In 2012, the funds were repurposed for this event by his son Jim Levitt and the Levitt family, a family that has been part of Kansas City’s history for more than 90 years. Aaron Levitt was an entrepreneur who started his own furniture business. He was also a social entrepreneur with a deep commitment to giving back to the Kansas City community. He was deeply involved with UMKC, serving as president of the University Associates as well as chairman of the UMKC Board of Trustees. Levitt was active with the American Red Cross, the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and the civic council. He also made local history as the first Jewish man to be invited to join the Kansas City Club and the River Club.
