Members of Independent Colleges of Indiana and the Ball Brothers Foundation pose with the three judges of the grant proposals. From left are Katie Goodrich, ICI director of scholarships and grants, Dr. Dottie King, ICI president and CEO, Rich Spisak, Ball Brothers Foundation senior program officer; and the three judges, Lisa Gomperts, Nathan Woods and Rick Wittgren. Photo provided by the Ball Brothers Foundation.

News Release

INDIANAPOLIS — Independent Colleges of Indiana that $100,000 in grants were awarded to five independent colleges in Indiana supporting innovative, start-up projects from the Ball Brothers Foundation venture fund grants.

Five Indiana independent colleges are the winners of the 2024 Ball Venture Fund competitive grant program: Franklin College, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Saint Mary’s College, Trine University and University of Evansville.

The five colleges will share $100,000 in seed funding for initiatives to stimulate creativity and innovation and foster competition and collaboration among the state’s 29 private, non-profit campuses. The grant was established by the Ball Brothers Foundation, Muncie, and is administered by Independent Colleges of Indiana. The 2024 recipients were chosen from a field of 29 proposals.

Franklin College, Franklin, will apply its $25,000 to teach sustainable energy through electric vehicles. Their program will include purchasing electric Go-Karts that will be incorporated into physics coursework, a January intensive course, a series of programs for middle and high school students, and trainings for K-12 science, technology, english and math teachers.

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, will use its $14,000 on the creation of a First-Gen Den for first-generation college students. The program will help first-generation college students transition to college and create a network and community among both their peers and faculty and staff members through programming, events, and virtual engagement.

Saint Mary’s College, South Bend, will use its $20,000 to expand the alternative grading system and research its effects on test anxiety in chemistry courses. The project includes researching how specifications-based testing can change learning outcomes and mindset in the classroom, as well as training other educators about the alternative grading system.

Trine University, Angola, will direct its $20,500 to launch the Trine University Esports Arena, which will expand its current program. The arena will include a streaming studio for live gaming content, and the grant will allow a continued partnership with Easterseals Northern Indiana to make the space accessible and inclusive for individuals with disabilities.

University of Evansville, Evansville, will apply its $20,500 to launching Ace Consulting. Undergraduate business students will offer consulting services such as strategic planning and financial analysis to local businesses and non-profits while providing opportunities for experiential learning for students.

The recipients were selected by a panel of judges, including representatives from the Ball Brothers Foundation and ICI Presidents Council members