{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-alumni-grant-recipient-js","path":"/alumni-center/alumni-grant-recipients/anna-du-2026","result":{"data":{"recipient":{"firstName":"Anna","lastName":"Du","slug":"anna-du-2026","year":2026,"finalistYear":2018,"finalistAward":"Finalist","grantType":"Science in Your Community Grant","cardImage":"2026-anna-du.png","quoteImage":null,"quote":"Teach everyone everything you know. —Doc Edgerton","cardDescription":"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.","aboutProject":["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."],"inspiration":["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."]}},"pageContext":{"slug":"anna-du-2026","relatedRecipients":[{"slug":"shrey-arora-2026","year":2026,"firstName":"Shrey","lastName":"Arora","finalistYear":2025,"finalistAward":"Finalist","grantType":"Science in Your Community Grant","cardImage":"2026-shrey-arora.png","cardDescription":"Shrey was awarded the Science in Your Community Grant for his work on “Little Innovators,” a hands-on STEM program that introduces elementary school students to science, technology, and innovation through interactive workshops that build confidence, curiosity, and creativity."},{"slug":"heman-bekele-2026","year":2026,"firstName":"Heman","lastName":"Bekele","finalistYear":2023,"finalistAward":"Winner","grantType":"Science in Your Community Grant","cardImage":"2026-heman-bekele.png","cardDescription":"Heman was awarded the Science in Your Community Grant for his work on “CareForAll,” a youth-led nonprofit that equips young people around the world with the skills, mentorship, and resources needed to advance health equity and address barriers to healthcare access in underserved communities."},{"slug":"anisha-dhoot-2026","year":2026,"firstName":"Anisha","lastName":"Dhoot","finalistYear":2023,"finalistAward":"Finalist","grantType":"Science in Your Community Grant","cardImage":"2026-anisha-dhoot.png","cardDescription":"Anisha was awarded the Science in Your Community Grant for her work on “EcoRoots,” a youth-led initiative that expands early access to climate and STEM education while strengthening food security through hands-on workshops, community action, and environmental education."}]}},"staticQueryHashes":["1877358583","2853049992","3432942819","4119215080","4285582392"]}