Our community programs aim to help aspiring creators and entrepreneurs lead with passion, energy, and integrity. Our offerings target local youth, women, and organizations seeking assistance with problem-solving and strategy development.

Programs

Chic Innovate is a forward-thinking collaborative group comprised of women across the local Muncie community This two-year program is intentionally built to act as a professional development opportunity through individual learning and mentor relationships.

Over the course of the first year, women of different backgrounds in different chapters of their lives join forces to discover and learn from each other. In the early stages of the program beginning in late summer, professionals from the Muncie and local area come together to learn about personal skills and mentor strategies. During the second year, participants are partnered with Ball State University students to serve as a mentor and advisor investing in the student’s personal and professional growth. All participants will engage in relevant topics to build confidence in the workplace, learn professional and personal balance approaches, become well-versed in tools applicable for students and professionals alike, and grow in their leadership, creativity, innovative mindset, and problem-solving skills.

View our informational flyer! 

Applications are now open!

All women in or around the Muncie area and at Ball State are encouraged to apply regardless of education, background, industry, etc. Only electronic applications will be accepted. A limited number of applicants will be selected.

Requirements

Applications for Chic Innovate require the following materials:

  • a short summary of why you're interested in the program, relevant experience, future aspirations, and why you should be selected to participate;
  • a current résumé or CV;
  • any other supporting documents or letters of recommendation

Professional Participant Expectations

Program participants are expected to:

  • make a two-year commitment to the program
  • attend and participate in every meeting/trip with a willingness and eagerness to learn;
  • maintain a professional and meaningful mentor/mentee relationship; and
  • provide updates and feedback when requested

Connect with Us

Contact Candy Dodd for questions or to get involved, or follow Chic Innovate on social media to stay informed.

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Our community programs are centered on leadership development through an innovation lens. For change to happen, communities must be creative and innovative in how they approach problems and roadblocks. We provide leaders and constituents opportunities to innovate, build and lead change in their communities. 

Innovate
Working with our institute, communities will learn to problem solve and find solutions resulting in a plan of action to begin making change. 

Build
Our program offerings are carefully designed for a range of audiences including our local communities that are looking to build and strengthen their teams and see their mission in action. 

Lead
We aim to help aspiring creators and entrepreneurs lead with passion, energy, and integrity. 

Our community program offerings include:

  • Problem-Solving Facilitations
  • Executive Education

Connect with Us

Contact Candy Dodd for more information. 

Gen: i Junior Academy

Our Gen: i Junior Academy provides youth with entrepreneurial experiences and learning opportunities. The following programs are currently being developed to launch soon:

  • Dual Credit Courses
  • Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Prototype Camps
  • Before/After School Programs
  • Virtual After School Programs
  • Youth Workshops and Events
  • Mentorships

Entrepreneurial Experiences

ELI provides opportunities for youth to engage with the University beyond the classroom setting. Some of the experiences currently being built include: 

  • Field Trips
  • Ball State Innovation Day (Gen: i Day)
  • Tailgate/Campus Activities
  • Virtual Speaker Series
  • K-12 Educators Innovation Boot Camp

Experiential Learning

Our goal is to provide opportunities for youth to engage with their local community leaders. We are currently developing opportunities to engage community leaders with local youth through community projects and problem solving sessions. 

  • Community Projects
  • Problem Solving Sessions with Local Leaders

Connect with Us

Contact Candy Dodd for more information. 

Ball State Entrepreneurship Day with the Cardinals

The Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute and the Entrepreneurship Center will be celebrating our program participants, internal and external partners and Ball State students at Tailgate Town on Saturday, September 17.

Join us for free game tickets and a pregame tailgate party for all! Grab some lunch and enjoy activities, give-a-ways and prizes for our "Selfie Scavenger Hunt." You will get to meet our staff and learn more about the programs we offer, too.

Our tailgate will be located near Benadum Woods (see map). You can park in the general parking lot off of Tillotson/Bethel Avenues for $10.00 or at Cardinal Creek and Worthen Arena for free.

Football tickets are limited to the first 100 registrants.

Reserve your tickets here!

Interested in a Program?

If you're interested in one of our programs or if you have questions, fill out our inquiry form and we'll be in touch.

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