1990
Early Foundations (Mid to-Late 1990s): Intergenerational teams of students, educators, and professionals began working on projects to serve Messiah College’s educational and faith formation mission while also sharing Christ’s love in underprivileged communities.
Early projects included efforts to provide safe drinking water in Guatemala, led by Professor Carl Erikson and a team of students.
1998
Burkina Faso Solar Power Project (1998-1999): Collaborated with SIM International to design and install solar electric power and water pumping systems for a medical clinic in Burkina Faso.
2001
The Technology Educator of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Donald Pratt and Dr. David Vader by the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania for their work in the Collaboratory.
“The Collaboratory fosters scholarship that serves the needs of today while building character for the needs of tomorrow.” —Dr. Vader
2004
A major gift from Leif and Carol Uptegrove created an endowment and established a Director position. The name changed to The Collaboratory for Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research.
Mid 2000’s Projects
- Human-powered irrigation systems for micro-enterprise farms in Burkina Faso.
- Adaptive transportation solutions for disabled persons in West Africa.
- The Genesis Solar Car Project, which competed nationally in Sunrayce events, earning technical innovation awards.
2006
Curriculum Integration and Keck Foundation Grant
- A $300,000 grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation supported the implementation of the Integrated Projects Curriculum (IPC) at Messiah.
- The IPC brought hands-on, real-world project work into the Engineering curriculum, ensuring that all students could participate.
“For the first 10+ years we were all volunteers... Curriculum integration enabled us to engage every engineering professor and student.” —Dr. Vader
2010
Vision and Mission Established: Emphasized Christian discipleship, hands-on learning, and global impact.
Mission: “To foster justice, empower the poor, promote peace, and care for the earth through applications of our academic and professional disciplines.”
“To increase the academic and professional abilities of participants, their vocational vision for lifelong servant-leadership, and their courage to act on convictions.”
Vision: “Increasing hope and transforming lives through education, collaboration, innovation, and service.”
Continued Impact and Growth (2010s)
- Expanded project-based learning to include collaborations in business, IT, health sciences, and education.
- Strengthened partnerships with non-profits like World Vision and Habitat for Humanity.
- Students worked on land-mine abatement technologies, solar-powered community solutions, and water purification systems.
- The Collaboratory’s impact became multi-generational, with alumni returning to mentor current students.
“This is perhaps the greatest impact: the lives of our graduates lived in hope, generosity, and service.” —Dr. Vader
2024
The Collaboratory has worked on over 140 projects for over 40 partners in 27 countries.
2025
2025 Site Team Trips: Clean Accessible Water Solutions (Cuba), Solar PV (Guatemala), Honduras Bridge Team, Cunningham Clubfoot Brace Team (Kenya), Antimicrobial Resistance Team (Zambia), Sikalongo Wheelchair (Zambia)