MISSION
The Diversity & Innovation Institute seeks to promote research and development of new technologies among health, science and engineering students, educators, and professionals as well as facilitating networking opportunities between students and professionals. This allows us to provide the guidance and resources needed to develop successful products and services. The Diversity & Innovation Institute values the importance of technological advancement as an essential factor for the continuous development and enhancement of humankind.
VISION
A world where ALL people are empowered to live curiously, reach their full potential, and feel they belong.
VALUES
OBJECTIVES
The Diversity & Innovation Institute aims for the following:
- Provide opportunities for students interested in science, engineering and technology to conduct research and explore ways to enhance their creativity in a motivating, hands-on environment in areas vital to the professional development of Indiana citizens.
- Conduct research to discover advanced treatments and innovative technologies to benefit the community at large.
- Develop educational tools in the form of research training, summer camps, social networking, online tutorials, workshops and conferences to inspire young minds, and provide valuable skills.
- Connect students with mentors, and develop pathways that seamlessly connect those who are disconnected or under-appreciated to employment.
History
2011Health & Science Innovations, Inc. is founded with the following mission: Health and Science Innovations seeks to promote research and development of new technologies among health, science and engineering students, educators, and professionals as well as facilitating networking opportunities between students and professionals. This allows us to provide the guidance and resources needed to develop successful products and services. Health and Science Innovations values the importance of technological advancement as an essential factor for the continuous development and enhancement of humankind. |
2012The Young Innovators Quest program is offered for the first time. |
2016Health & Science Innovations is awarded a $534k Indiana Department of Workforce Development Skill Up Grant to develop the IDEAA (Innovation, Design, Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing, and Automation) Partnership and start developing a comprehensive talent pipeline that connects to employers in Central Indiana with operations in IDEAA fields. |
2018Health & Science Innovations is awarded a second Indiana Department of Workforce Development Skill Up Grant for $924k for the purpose of developing the IDEAA Innovation Network to strengthen the IDEAA Talent Pipeline in Central Indiana. |
2020Health & Science Innovations is awarded a 21st Century Community Learning Center $900k grant from the Indiana Department of Education to fund the initial four years of a new STEAM Afterschool program specifically for middle schoolers in MSD Lawrence Township. |
2021Health & Science Innovations is awarded the R.E.A.C.H. grant from the Indiana Department of Education for $375k. This 2.5-year grant will strengthen the Innovation Boulevard 21st CCLC Afterschool program by increasing resources for Social Emotional Learning, and English Language Learners; in addition to development resources. |
2022After 10 years of being established, and after an exhaustive consultation with the community, community partners, and stakeholders; the organization is renamed Diversity & Innovation Institute (DNOVA), a new mission and vision is drafted, and a new strategic plan emerges. The new name, mission and vision will better reflect the values and services the organization has been providing for the past 10 years and will guide the work ahead in a way that meets the need of the community. After the transition is completed Health & Science Innovations will become part of DNOVA as its Research Department. |
In 2023, our organization celebrated its 11th anniversary with significant achievements. We were honored to receive the Lilly Endowment SYPI Grant, which will enable us to pilot and develop the DNOVA Creative Center, set to open in 2025. This grant not only supports the creation of this innovative space but also establishes a more sustainable revenue engine for our mission, ensuring our continued growth and impact in the community.