Student organizations are forging ahead thanks to the Trailblazer Fund

During its inaugural funding cycle, the new Student Trailblazer Fund distributed grants exceeding $70,000 to 21 registered student organizations (RSOs) in Indianapolis.

Purdue students in Indianapolis can access up to $5,000 for capital equipment and $2,000 for program supplies through the new fund. David Umulis, Purdue senior vice provost for Indianapolis, announced the initiative this fall with goals of increasing the number of RSOs in Indianapolis, supporting student-driven interests and activities and strengthening connections with related groups in West Lafayette.

Among the first student organizations to receive this funding is the Computer Science Club, which will use two grants to fund events throughout the spring and purchase multimedia recording equipment, T-shirts and hoodies for its 100-member group.

“This [fund] has not only provided more resources for students to explore different passions outside of their major, but it is also boosting campus morale,” says Abha Gupta, co-president of the Computer Science Club. “It is up to the students to trailblaze the energy and opportunities for the future cohorts.”

Another student group benefiting from the funding is the Purdue in Indianapolis Medical Association (PiMed). The organization expands access to high-impact initiatives such as physician panels, MCAT preparation sessions, and community health events like campus blood drives. The fund also allows the group to invest in PiMed merchandise and lab coats to increase its visibility and give members a tangible connection to their future careers in health care.

“This funding allows us to reduce financial barriers, increase accessibility and scale our impact as a growing organization in Indianapolis,” says Ishita Mukadam, president of PiMed. “It is helping PiMed continue to expand its reach, strengthen the health care community on campus and empower students to explore careers in medicine while making a meaningful difference in the Indianapolis community.”

Startup Club Indy is using the Trailblazer Fund to support students in building projects that develop their passions and technical skills. The club purchased parts for members to use on their projects, like a robot arm, hydroponics enclosure and tower climber. To support the Purdue electric vehicle karting (EVK) team in Indianapolis, Startup Club bought tools and materials needed to build the team’s kart.

“For a new club at Purdue in Indianapolis, the Trailblazer Fund is a lifeline that can take a club from an idea to a reality,” says Colin Ternus, student head of EVK’s battery engineering division. “The fund allows clubs to get materials and resources to form the backbone of their programs. This support has taken us from a team floundering for money to a team focused on innovating and achieving our performance goals.”

Other student organizations that benefited from this first cycle of funding include the Computer Science Women’s Network, Japan Student Association in Indianapolis, Motorsports Engineering Club in Indianapolis, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Indy Talks Podcast, Purdue Space Program and Music Club at Purdue Indianapolis.

Full list of groups benefitting from the first cycle of funding:

• ASME — American Society of Mechanical Engineers (Indianapolis)
• Autonomous RC Club at Purdue in Indianapolis
• Boiler Grand Prix (Indianapolis)
• Chess Club at Purdue in Indianapolis
• Club Volleyball at Purdue in Indianapolis
• Computer Science Club (Indianapolis)
• Computer Science Women’s Network (Indianapolis)
• Endurance Racing Club at Purdue (Indianapolis)
• Indianapolis Flavor Enthusiasts
• Indy Talks Podcast
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (Indianapolis)
• Japan Student Association in Indianapolis
• Middle Eastern Engineering Society (Indianapolis)
• Mixed Media Club at Purdue in Indianapolis
• Motorsports Engineering Club in Indianapolis
• Music Club at Purdue Indianapolis
• Pokémon Boiler League (Indianapolis)
• Professional Practice Ambassadors - Indianapolis
• Purdue Badminton Club Indianapolis
• Purdue FIRST Programs (Indianapolis)
• Purdue in Indianapolis Medical Association
• Purdue Space Program
• Startup Club Indy
• Taekwondo Club of Purdue Indianapolis
• Taiwanese Student Association of Purdue Indianapolis
• The Video Game Innovation Club of Purdue Indianapolis
• TopSpin Purdue Indianapolis
• UAV Club at Purdue University
• Vex U Team Purdue Indianapolis
• and more...