Catalysts for Intellectual Capital 2020

CIC 2020 (KICK 20-20) is a student-run economic development think tank at Binghamton University whose efforts focus on reversing the "brain drain" of Greater Binghamton by working to increase the retention rate of Binghamton University graduates in the local area. The name CIC 2020 corresponds to the vision of retaining 20% of graduating seniors by the year 2020.

OUR MISSION

1. Bridge the gap between the local community and Binghamton University.
2. Familiarize students with opportunities in the Greater Binghamton area.
3. Assess and develop ways to expand career opportunities and to encourage young professionals to stay.
4. Provide a forum for discussion about economic progress.
5. Enhance community and university partnerships.

Since its founding in 2004, the members of CIC 2020 have worked to facilitate and strengthen connections between the local community and university, establishing numerous ties within both entities that are fostered by regular participation in various meetings and events. Since the spring of 2006, a significant focus of the directorate has been administering the CIC Leadership Institute (CIC-LI), a program created with all of the founding goals in mind. Triggered by ideas from the 2008 CIC-LI, in May of 2008, the CIC2020 Directorate began coordinating The Binghamton Blowout Block Party (B³P) as a demonstration project. In addition to administering the CIC-LI each spring, CIC2020 is now working on a new initiative, developing a unique mentorship program called the CIC Career Partnership (CIC-CP).

Made up of undergraduate and graduate students of various disciplines, the directors of CIC2020 are those spearheading the projects and making things happen. Each fall, they recruit students to become part of the CIC-LI. Then, in the spring, they recruit new directorate members, typically selecting from the pool of CIC-LI graduates. In both cases, recruitment entails a selective application and interviewing process. Please see Recruitment for information about how to join CIC2020.