Meet Alumni:

Anna Du

2018 3M Young Scientist Challenge Finalist
2026 Alumni Grant Recipient

Anna was awarded the Science in Your Community Grant for her work on “Ideas Become Impact,” a student-led initiative that delivers hands-on AI and STEM education by empowering students to solve real-world problems in their own communities through scalable, chapter-based programming.

About their Project

The project I am seeking funding for is the launch and expansion of a scalable chapter-based model for Ideas Become Impact (IBI), a student-led initiative that delivers hands-on AI and STEM education through real-world, community-centered problem solving.

IBI was founded to address a gap in traditional STEM education for students: while many programs teach technical skills, few connect those skills to meaningful, real-world impact. Our model is designed to change that by engaging students, particularly from underserved communities, in projects that use AI and data science to address challenges faced by local organizations.

Ultimately, the goal of this project is to build a sustainable, replicable system where students do not just learn STEM concepts, but actively apply them to create impact in their communities. By scaling the chapter model, we aim to transform IBI from a single-site pilot into a broader network of student-led, community-driven innovation.

What was the inspiration behind your project?

IBI was inspired by a mix of excitement and frustration I felt when learning computer science and AI. The field was moving so quickly, but a lot of educational spaces did not seem to reflect that pace or show students how these tools could connect to real-world problems. I wanted to create something that made AI feel current, accessible, and meaningful, especially for students who might not normally see themselves as belonging in STEM.

With IBI, our goal is not just to teach students technical skills, but to help them use those skills to work on problems they actually care about, in their local communities. We want students to see AI as a tool for creativity, problem-solving, and community impact, rather than something abstract or intimidating.