July 2025: Exciting aerospace education in Upland, Cybersecurity Summit, Ball Venture Fund winners, and more
High-Flying STEM Education in Upland
Last year, BBF awarded a small grant to Upland-based NearSpace Education to help launch an aerospace club for middle school students—a hands-on program designed to spark interest in STEM careers.
During a recent site visit, BBF staff learned more about NearSpace’s broader mission and future plans. Their team is hard at work inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers through immersive STEM education that is equipping rural Indiana students for futures in aerospace, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
Our visit also underscored how NearSpace’s efforts tie into a larger vision in Upland: blending education, placemaking, and community engagement to fuel long-term revitalization.
BBF Hosts Cyber Summit, Awards $200K for Training and Tools
Ball Brothers Foundation recently hosted a Cybersecurity Summit, bringing together local leaders from law enforcement, higher education, and a guest speaker from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The event highlighted emerging threats, emphasized the importance of internships and K-12 education in building a strong cyber talent pipeline, and included a tour of the Delaware County High Tech Crime Unit.
The Summit coincided with the announcement of BBF's spring round of grants which included more than $200,000 in support for local schools, universities, and law enforcement agencies to bolster cyber training, tools, and workforce pipeline programs.
“By bringing together diverse stakeholders, including federal partners like the Department of Homeland Security and local law enforcement, we are building a more resilient and prepared community.”
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Healthcare Training, Digital Classes for Seniors, and More Awarded Ball Venture Funding
For over two decades, the foundation has partnered with Independent Colleges of Indiana to support innovative start-up programs at Indiana's private universities through the Ball Venture Fund.
This year, four colleges are the winners of the competitive grant program: Indiana Institute of Technology, Marian University’s Saint Joseph’s College, Trine University, and University of Saint Francis.
They will share $100,000 in seed funding for initiatives to stimulate creativity and innovation.
Learn more about the winners and how they each plan to use the funding.
Muncie Land Bank's Dr. John West was recognized with BBF's 2024 Fisher Governance Award. BBF is now accepting nominations for the 2025 award.
Nominate a Board Member
For over a decade, the John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Awardhas recognized outstanding nonprofit board members in Delaware County. Is there someone on your board who deserves to be celebrated? Nominations are due by Friday, August 15.
Field Notes from Summer
This summer, our team hit the trail, literally and figuratively. Here are a few recent highlights:
We traveled to Northern Michigan to learn from trail, land, and conservation leaders as part of our first-ever staff retreat while also connecting with BBF board members who live in the area.
Our team joined TeenWorks for its annual Summer Site Visits, touring three Muncie host sites. The program engages 120 local teens in paid summer work and career development supported by funders including BBF.
BBF's Jenna Wachtmann joined Red-tail Land Conservancy for a summer hike through a rare glacier-carved wetland fen in Henry County. The preserved site is part of 200+ acres of protected land in the Big Blue River Valley.
BBF's Dan Wolfert visited the Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie Summer Camp at East Washington Academy. The program serves 100 kids daily with academic enrichment, hands-on activities, and summer field trips.