With the advent of the Student Idea Center at Malvern Prep in September of 2024, the Incubator Grant Program has emerged as a way for high school students to turn their ideas into tangible projects. Students are able to present their ideas with the goal of creating something meaningful that impacts both the Malvern community and the broader world. Guided by Ms. Metty Vithaythil, Director of the Student Idea Center, and other mentors across campus, their ideas can become a reality. Students can explore their creativity while developing skills in leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration. Through a variety of innovative projects, the Incubator Grant Program helps students unlock their true passions and see the real-world difference their ideas can make.

Ms. Vithaythil explains how the Incubator Grant program was established, as well as its evolution since its initial launch over a year ago. She highlights how the Student Idea Center provides the space, resources, and support for ambitious students with ideas. 

“Even prior to the formal incubator program we have now, we had students who requested support from the school to bring their ideas to life, everything from getting refillable water bottle stations installed around campus to creating a documentary film about the work of Project Béisbol in Brazil. In each of these instances, students emerged and said, ‘Hey, I’ve got this idea that I think our community will benefit from. Is there a way for the school to support it?’ With the creation of the Student Idea Center in September of 2024, Malvern Prep’s Head of School, Dr. [Patrick] Sillup, saw an opportunity to create a space and programming dedicated to supporting students interested in designing beyond our stated curriculum through opportunities like Incubator Grants,” Vithayathil said.

Ms. Vithayathil reflects on how the program helps students explore interests, pursue passions, and build confidence. She emphasizes the importance of providing students with the tools and encouragement to bring their ideas to life.

“I hope that students find areas that they’re interested in. It may be hobbies, careers, or passions that they’d like to pursue. I think it’s a way for a student to say, ‘Is this something I’m interested in?’ And it allows them to explore it a little bit more. At the end, there’s that sense of ‘I’m capable of getting something done; I’m capable of getting a project off the ground; I can do this’ feeling. I’ve interviewed students after they’ve completed a project, and that is what I see: that they have a sense of pride and an increased confidence in their ability to do something…I hope that all students feel like we have an open door where they can walk in and share ideas, brainstorm, and we can help them come up with ways to pursue their interests.” Vithaythil said. 

Furthermore, Fr. Bill Gabriel, Head of Mission & Ministry at Malvern Prep, explains how the Incubator Program not only promotes innovation but also reflects Malvern’s mission of faith and service. He connects the program’s initiative to Laudato Si, Pope Francis’ call to care for our common home, and emphasizes the importance of stewardship throughout our community.

“One of the neat things [about] responding to Pope Leo’s call on the 10th Anniversary of Laudato Si, a document that was an encyclical written by Pope Francis, is [that it reminds us] to have a heart that sees and hears the cry of the poor and of the earth … Pope Leo has called us to renew our commitment to that, to take care of not only our fellow humans but also our environment, and how it’s all interconnected. And so, in many ways, Pope Francis challenged us to consider the ways in which we are taking care of or not taking care of the earth, and how that impacts humanity,” Gabriel said.

Fr. Bill Gabriel elaborates on how the Incubator Grant Program gives students the space and support to develop ideas that serve the common good. He also notes the importance of integrating faith and service to guide students’ projects in a purposeful and meaningful way.

“The Incubator Grant Program is a way of gathering ideas and solutions and empathizing with problems that can have a just and dynamic solution that is going to bring about [more goodness in our world]. We want to gather and create a space that allows students to bring those ideas … and build up the common good for the sake of creating a more just and beautiful world that looks more like God had always intended … By connecting faith, service, and innovation in our academic work here, it’s going to lead us to creating and leaning towards a world that will look much more like the Kingdom of God,” Gabriel said.

As the Incubator Grant Program has expanded over the past year, many Malvern students have already found success bringing their ideas to life. Sophomores Aidan Capobianco and Stephen Rullo have created the Athletic Media Club to pursue their passion for photography and showcase Malvern sports. Meanwhile, seniors Tommy Onderdonk and Dylan Colvin have launched Sportscasting, a project that allows them to further explore their passion for broadcasting and sports production.

Aidan Capobianco ‘28 and Stephen Rullo ‘28 spoke about how their shared passion for sports photography led to the creation of the Athletic Media Club. What first began as an independent study evolved into a micro course and eventually earned an Incubator Grant, giving them the support and resources to grow.

“What inspired the project idea was the idea of bringing something that is very interesting to us to the Malvern community. We started the process over a year ago now. It started by meeting with Mrs. Coia, [Assistant Director of School Counseling], and sharing our ideas. We were connected to Ms. V [in the process as well], and did an independent study, [where we] used our experience working for the athletic department to our advantage. [That led to the making of] a micro course to see student interest. [After some time, we] applied for an incubator grant and eventually won, leading to where we are today,” Capobianco and Rullo said.

Similarly, Tommy Onderdonk ‘26 and Dylan Colvin ‘26 share how their passion for media and desire to improve sports coverage at Malvern led to the creation of Sportscasting. They aim to enhance the overall broadcasting and production of Malvern sports while connecting the community through a more engaging viewer experience.

“We believed that there was a problem with the viewing experience for Malvern sports. The HUDL camera [which uses AI to follow the action of the game] simply did not work to the satisfaction of most people. We believe that these broadcasts that we put out every week help the community. For example, someone’s grandparent may not be able to tell what is going on with [HUDL’s] zoomed-out camera and a tiny scoreboard in the corner. I believe we can improve the overall experience of the viewer,” Onderdonk and Colvin said.

Since starting Sportscasting, the senior duo has taken every opportunity to improve and gain insight from experts in the field. They share how the Incubator Grant has not only opened doors for mentorship but also given them resources, guidance, and a new appreciation for the profession.

“The grant has helped us significantly in this short time. From getting legendary broadcaster Steve Lappas (former American college basketball coach and current analyst for CBS Sports) to rising star Sebastian Curtin (Sales Representative for Tee It Up Productions), these guys have helped us out so much. When we received their perspectives, I realized how much I seriously love this profession. For example, Steve Lappas goes straight from the Final Four to the Masters. If that isn’t heaven, I don’t know what is. They have also given us many tips that we have applied to broadcasts, like bringing up fun facts or using more organized sheets for information about the players. We would absolutely not be where we are today if it were not for the Incubator Grant,” Onderdonk and Colvin said.

Ultimately, Malvern Prep’s Incubator Grant Program, guided by faith, service, and innovation, creates opportunities for students to develop ideas and transform them into impactful projects that make real differences for others. Their creativity and ambitions are not simply personal pursuits but aim to make meaningful contributions to the wider community. By encouraging students to take risks and discover what they are capable of and passionate about, the program builds confidence, leadership, and responsibility. Similarly, it reflects the spirit of Laudato Si by echoing its message of stewardship and reminding students that their work can serve a greater good. As the program continues to thrive and expand for years to come, more students will be given the opportunity to explore their interests, dive deeper into their true passions, and leave a lasting impact far beyond our campus.