Apply to the Hatchery

white pine illustration

Diana Davis Spencer Hatchery

Every spring, a new cohort of students joins the Diana Davis Spencer Hatchery to launch for-profit and nonprofit ventures for academic credit. If you have an idea for an enterprise—or want to evaluate one in a supportive, collaborative environment—consider applying to the Hatchery.

The Hatchery is open to third- and fourth-year students from any field—arts, sciences, activism, community development, food systems, technology, and more—and supports both for-profit and non-profit ventures. You can apply as an individual or as part of a team, and you may also choose to consult for outside enterprises.

  • Course credit: The Hatchery is a three-credit course; you may take it for regular academic or senior project credit
  • Structured support: Weekly meetings on all aspects of starting an enterprise
  • Seed funding: Eligible ventures may receive seed funding and rent-free office space for the first year
  • Professional advice: Access legal, accounting, fundraising, mentoring, equipment, and a larger support network
  • Flexible development: For nine months after the course, you retain access to Hatchery resources and office space to continue your venture

  1. Application: Apply by Friday, week four of winter term
  2. Rapid prototype: During the 10-week course, develop and test a prototype for your idea
  3. Development: Continue growing your venture with Hatchery resources for nine months after the course—or after graduation, if taken in your senior spring

To apply to the Hatchery, download, fill out, and return the application form to Jay Friedlander or Kerri Sands. Contact Kerri for a Word version of the form.

Stories from the Field

Philosophy professor Heather Lakey explores regret, reproductive ethics, and existentialism in new article

The publication situates COA scholarship in global conversations on feminist philosophy and moral decision‑making. Read More

COA faculty and alumni contribute to new volume on innovative P–12 learning environments

Their chapter highlights how College of the Atlantic’s teacher certification program prepares educators for culturally responsive, trust‑centered learning. Read More

COA alum and former faculty member receives prestigious national teaching award

Dr. Nishanta “Nishi” Rajakaruna ’94 has been honored with the Botanical Society of America’s Charles Edwin Bessey Teaching Award, recognizing his innovative, student‑centered contributions to botanical education. Read More
green sea urchin illustration

Student Resources

Thorndike Library

Research expertise, specialized databases, and guidance for independent and collaborative projects across disciplines.

Registrar

Registration, course offerings, student forms, transcripts, and support as you design your program of study.

Writing Center

Focused help for brainstorming, drafting, revising, and refining papers, projects, proposals, and presentations.

Career Development

Internship planning and placement, resume and interview preparation, and connections to meaningful work.

Academic Support Services

Study skills, learning strategies, and accommodations designed around your strengths and challenges.

Meal menu

From curries to carnitas, savory tofu to Maine seafood, our dining hall celebrates flavor, community, and responsible sourcing.

more student resources and info

Everything you’re looking for (we hope) in one central place.