Chicago Ideas is thrilled to once again partner with the Bluhm/Helfand Social Innovation Fellowship to recognize social entrepreneurs under the age of 35 who are leading nonprofit and for-profit initiatives designed to make a positive social impact.

We are pleased to announce the 2017 Semi-Finalists who are each making waves in their individual fields. These remarkable individuals will be flown to Chicago to meet with our judging panel, in hopes of earning one of five Fellowship spots.

Explore their work below and stay tuned for the announcement of the 2017 Fellows in a few weeks.

Ankit Agarwal, 28; Kanpur, India: Helpusgreen

Chike Aguh, 33; Washington, D.C.: EveryoneOn

Jahmal Cole, 34; Chicago, IL: My Block, My Hood, My City

Brian Hill, 32; Chicago, IL: Edovo

Katherine Katcher, 32; Oakland, CA: Root & Rebound

Katie Meyler, 34; Bernardsville, NJ: More Than Me

Alex Niemczewski, 29; Chicago, IL: BallotReady

Daquan Oliver, 25; New York, NY: WeThrive

Rose Wang, 25; San Francisco, CA: Six Foods/Chirps

Stacie Whisonant, 35; Washington, D.C.: Pay Your Tuition (PYT) Funds

Stay tuned for the announcement of our 2017 BHSI Fellows on Monday, August 21, 2017. And save the date to see them on the Chicago Ideas Week stage, October 16-22, 2017.