Calling All Innovators!

Become Part of 71 North's Community

Are you a dreamer, an innovator, a creator? Are you eager to connect with like-minded peers, share your skills, and make a difference? If your answer is a resounding "Yes!", then 71 North, Northern Illinois University's own Innovation Studio, is looking for you!

We are seeking active and committed individuals ready to immerse themselves in collaboration and innovation. The process of moving ideas from inception to impact is at the heart of our culture, and as a member, you can strategize, ideate, plan, build, and launch your own product or service. Alternatively, you can contribute to team initiatives, applying your learning in real-world contexts and making an impact.

More than just projects and events

71 North is about building a community. We value members who foster camaraderie, initiate discussions, provide constructive feedback, and help shape a supportive and engaging environment for all. If you are passionate about sharing your skills, you will find the Studio to be a nurturing space to teach, mentor, and assist others. Your expertise could be the game-changer for a fellow innovator or groundbreaking product. Join 71 North, become part of a dynamic community of vibrant individuals, and help us build the future of innovation at NIU.

There are three ways to get involved: join a team or project as a collaborator, become a Studio Fellow with a deeper commitment to the studio itself, Or if you have a Product or a Business idea, you can apply to become one of our Founders in residence, and get support to launch your idea.

Open Positions

Teams and projects within 71 North regularly open up roles for new collaborators. These listings come from student project teams, studio programs, and the studio itself, ranging from technical and creative roles to support and outreach positions. Browse what's available, read about what each team is looking for, and apply directly through the listing.

Studio Dev Team

71 North Studio

$15/hr
Front of House

71 North Studio

$15/hr
Art Director

Vespa-Mode
Artist

Vespa-Mode

Applying is easy!

  • Tell Us About Yourself!

    Submit a membership application

    Learn More

  • Schedule a Meeting

    Pick a date and time we can formally meet and discuss

  • Interview

    We will have a short interview to get to know you better

  • Await Decision

    We will get back to you with a decision within 2 weeks

  • Review and Accept

    Review and accept studio membership terms

  • Welcome!

    You are now a member of 71 North! You will receive an email with orientation information soon!

Become a Studio Fellow

Studio Fellows are the backbone of 71 North — staff, faculty, and students who are deeply committed to the studio's mission and community. Fellows help shape our direction, support project teams, and serve as ambassadors for innovation at NIU.

Apply to be a Studio Fellow

Who it's for

Studio Fellows include NIU students with a strong commitment to the studio's work, faculty looking to connect research or coursework to real-world innovation, and staff or community members who want to contribute to programs and culture at 71 North.

What to expect

  • Active participation in studio programs and events
  • Opportunity to mentor teams and shape ongoing projects
  • A voice in the direction of the studio's community
  • Access to resources, networks, and collaborators across NIU