Ball State University has a long history of working at the local level to foster economic development and improve the quality of life throughout Indiana.

From providing workforce training to cultivating entrepreneurship, from leading downtown redevelopment to helping small towns secure broadband technology, our faculty, staff, and students have made direct contributions to the welfare of the state.

Today Ball State is a key player along with other universities in transforming Indiana's economy. Through a variety of programs and services, we work one on one with numerous communities to develop real solutions for real problems.

This commitment is formally defined as a key institutional priority in the university's current strategic plan and has been given focus through the Building Better Communities initiative.

This effort, which has received $2.5 million in funding from the Indiana Legislature, matches Ball State's extensive expertise and resources with the specific needs and aspirations of Indiana towns and cities as they work to redefine their economic mix and create vital, appealing communities that will attract and retain new investment and educated, energetic workers.

A partner program, Business Fellows, works in tandem to directly engage teams of students and faculty in solving a problem or creating an opportunity for businesses and community organizations around the state. This program is supported by a $1.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.