DifferenceMakerTM is a campus-wide program that engages UMass Lowell students in creative problem solving, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Jacquie Moloney with Brian and Kim Rist at the opening of the Rist DifferenceMaker Institute

Thank you Kim and Brian Rist '77, Manning School of Business, for supporting the DifferenceMaker Program with a generous contribution and the establishment of the Rist DifferenceMaker Institute.

Three students and a professor hold an enlarged check for the People's Choice Winner at UMass Lowell DifferenceMaker competition

College Competition Applications are Now Open!

Do you have an idea you'd like to pursue? DifferenceMaker co-sponsors and supports College Competitions that emerge from the program each year!

  • Applications Open: September 20 at 5 p.m.
  • Applications Close: October 20 at 5 p.m.

Learn more about the college competitions and apply today!

Student standing on stage at a DifferenceMaker event

Attend College Competition Final Events

Come support students as they pitch their creative ideas at the DCU/ Manning School Business Innovation Contest and the Francis College of Engineering Prototyping Competition!

  • Francis College of Engineering Prototyping Competition: December 6 at 6 p.m.
  • DCU / Manning School of Business Innovation Contest : December 7 at 6 p.m.

Register to attend the college competition final events

Are you a DifferenceMaker?

Do you have an idea? Do you see a problem you want to solve? Do you want to make a difference in your community, or in the world? Do you want to join a team and work with other students? Sound like you?

Get involved with DifferenceMaker

Real-Life DifferenceMakers

  • Ariel Shramko
    Environmental Engineering

    Ariel Shramko is growing food for Earth and beyond.

  • Tendren
    DifferenceMakers

    Tendren is a wristband that monitors a patient's vitals while they are in the hospital waiting room.

Support DifferenceMaker

Gifts at any level make a direct impact on thousands of UMass Lowell students and faculty every day.