Idea to Action Sparks Success

When Dr. Jennifer Mueller, Associate Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Alfred Schmidt Endowed Chair for Excellence in Teaching at Rose-Hulman, signed up for Community-Engaged Alliance’s Idea to Action (I2A) Incubator, she wasn’t expecting to walk away with a fully formed project; let alone a major external grant.

But that’s exactly what happened.

What began as a simple desire to explore community engagement around STEM education transformed into a collaborative, interdisciplinary project and ultimately into a $25,000 award through the STEM Innovation Forum, sponsored by STEMconnector and STEMx/Battelle.

And it all started at Idea to Action.

 

Taking an idea and making a project

Mueller and a small group of faculty, students and community partners arrived at the Incubator with only one concept. They wanted to build meaningful STEM experiences for elementary-age students in their community.

When they left, it was a defined project.

 

The Crossroads STEM Kit Exchange

A place-based partnership designed to connect Rose-Hulman students, local industry partners, and the 14th & Chestnut Community Center, which is in the center of a neighborhood with a poverty rate nearly double the county average.

The project emphasizes:

• Hands-on STEM kits and modules
• Industry-aligned activities
• Collaboration across higher ed, K–12, and community organizations
• Building STEM identity and opportunity for underserved youth
• This idea grew directly from the structured thinking, coaching, and collaborative time provided at the I2A Incubator.

How I2A Helped Shape and Strengthen the Project

Two insights from I2A proved pivotal when Mueller later applied for external funding:

1. Clarifying the Need

Jenny noted that during their I2A pitch, judges encouraged teams to articulate the why more clearly. That feedback changed everything.

2. Visualizing the Partnerships

During I2A’s “speed coaching” session, a facilitator encouraged the team to show the interconnectedness of their partners. Jenny literally drew a concept map. That map later became a slide in her successful grant pitch. These tangible takeaways, combined with having their students involved in the initial pitch, strengthened their narrative, confidence, and proposal materials.

A New Opportunity: Winning the STEM Innovation Forum Grant

While at the Incubator, a teammate discovered the STEM Innovation Forum call for proposals which was perfectly aligned with their emerging project. The Rose-Hulman team submitted a written proposal, was selected as one of four finalists, and ultimately earned one of two $25,000 awards.

“We went into I2A to compete for $5,000 and walked away pursuing and winning $25,000. It all aligned because I2A helped us build something worth pitching,” said Dr. Jennifer Mueller.

What the $25,000 Will Make Possible

The grant funding will enable Rose-Hulman to:

• Develop multiple kits and modules, rather than just one
• Expand partnerships with additional industry sectors
• Provide transportation for Rose students to deliver programming
• Purchase vetted assessment tools to measure STEM identity and student growth
• Implement activities during both the spring academic quarter and summer programs

Students in the Intro to Design course will conceptualize the STEM kits, and other students may volunteer or be hired to implement them.

Advice for Future Idea to Action Participants

Advice from this team was that you do not need a fully formed project idea to come to I2A, and it is even better if you don’t!

Her encouragement:

• Come with curiosity.
• Be open to discovering your “why.”
• Use the time and space to think deeply.
• Let the community’s real needs drive your project.

What’s Next?

Implementation begins in March, when Rose-Hulman students enter the design phase of the project. Activities will roll out in summer programs at the 14th & Chestnut Community Center.

For Jenny, the takeaway is simple:

“We wouldn’t have developed this project without the Idea to Action Incubator. Having dedicated time, structure, and community partners all in one space made all the difference,” said Dr. Dr. Jennifer Mueller.

Register for the 2026 Idea to Action Incubator

Registration is now open for the 2026 Idea to Action (I2A) Incubator, returning this fall with a refreshed format shaped by participant feedback.

This interactive program helps higher education teams transform big ideas into actionable, community-centered projects. With an expanded schedule this year, participants will have weeks between sessions to strengthen their ideas and build a more complete project plan or competitive pitch.

Event Details:
Location: Butler University

Day One: October 2 | Hands-on workshops and collaborative sessions - Attend in person (limited capacity) or virtually

Day Two: November 6 | Project management sessions, individualized coaching, keynote speaker, poster session, and the I2A Pitch Competition (in person only)