Student FAQ

Kickbox is a way to help Elon students develop their ideas and foster innovation on campus. It is (literally) a box, stuffed with guidance, resources, and a gift card to help you fine-tune and develop your idea. What’s in the box? We can’t tell you – we don’t want to ruin the surprise 🙂

What can I make with a Kickbox?

It could solve a problem in the world, on campus, or in your room. It could be a rough prototype or a nearly-finished product. Maybe you want to explore an idea without knowing exactly what it will become. All of those ideas are welcome.

Need inspiration?

• In the past, Elon Kickboxers have made custom board games, 3D printed musical instruments, custom LED lights, a wireless charger, a robot cat, clothing, and a lot more. See what Elon students made with a Kickbox in the past couple of years: 2023, 2024 and 2025.
• It could be a hobby or a passion project.
• It could be something you hope to one day turn into a business.
• It could be a project you started in class but want to spend more time developing.
• It could be a research project.
• You can also look at one of the United Nation’s Global Problems for ideas.

How long is the Kickbox program?

You’ll start in January or February and have most of the spring semester to work. The program wraps up in late April.

Is it worth course credit?

No, but you’ll earn the Elon Kickbox Digital Badge to recognize your achievement. Learn more about digital badges at Elon.

Who can apply for a Kickbox?

All Elon students — any major, any year — can apply! We’ve had first-years through grad students participate.

Can teams apply for a Kickbox?

Yes! Teams are great, but each project only gets one Kickbox. One person must serve as the primary investigator — they handle deadlines and communication. Teams of 2–3 members work best.

Co-investigators can apply for their own Kickbox if it’s a different project.

How many Kickboxes can I get?

You can lead one Kickbox project per year, but you can be a co-investigator on others. You’re also welcome to apply again in future years.

How do I get a Kickbox?

Kickboxes are limited and awarded through a short application process:

1. Think of an idea for a project that you can make significant progress on during the spring semester.
2. Identify a faculty or staff sponsor who supports your idea (start now). You will need to talk with your sponsor before submitting an application. If you need help finding a sponsor, email makerhub@elon.edu.
3. Complete an online application explaining your idea and why it’s worth pursuing. Applications for Kickbox 2026 open on Nov. 3!
   
4. Receive confirmation that your Kickbox project was accepted (late Dec or early Jan).
5. Attend an in-person workshop (approx 1 hour) at the start of your Kickbox project in early January or early February, depending on your timeframe. You will receive your Kickbox at this session.

What are the requirements if I get a Kickbox?

By taking a Kickbox, you agree to fulfill the following requirements:

1. Make substantial progress on your idea by working through the activities included in the Kickbox.
2. Update your project notebook with regular check-ins (at least 4) about your progress.
3. Attend five 1 hour meetings throughout the semester with other Kickbox students.
4. Show your project at the Maker Takeover of the Moseley Center in late April.
5. At the end of Kickbox, you’ll submit all your receipts and a spreadsheet with all your expenses, return the Visa card with any remaining funds and equipment used in your project, and complete a post-project survey.

What if I don’t fulfill the requirements of the Kickbox?

You’ll need to return the Visa card, unused funds, and all materials to the Maker Hub within three business days. Missing funds may need to be repaid, and you won’t be eligible for future Kickboxes.

What if my project fails?

That’s totally fine — failure is part of making! You’ll still complete your updates and presentation, sharing what you learned and how you’d improve next time.

What are the responsibilities of the faculty/staff sponsor?

Every Kickbox project needs a faculty or staff sponsor. They help ensure your idea is realistic and guide you through the process. You’ll meet with them at least monthly during the spring. Ideally, it’s someone with experience related to your project. Learn more about sponsor expectations.

How do I find a faculty/staff sponsor?

You’ll want to find a faculty or staff person with previous experience who could help you as you develop your idea. Start with professors and staff members you already know. Explain your idea to them and ask for their recommendations about who to talk to next. Faculty and staff at Elon know each other and will likely know who could help. If you need help finding a sponsor, email makerhub@elon.edu and we’ll help you identify someone.

What kind of funds are in the Kickbox?

Each Kickbox includes a $300 prepaid Mastercard you can use almost anywhere.

What can I buy?

Use your funds for anything that helps your project — materials, tools, software, workshops, travel, or expert advice.

If you can justify it for your project, it’s usually OK.

You can’t use funds for:

• Weapons
• Gift cards
• Service subscriptions (Amazon Prime)
• NFTs, cryptocurrencies, or other investments
• Anything illegal

In exchange for this freedom, you will be required to track your expenses in an online spreadsheet and submit your receipts at the end of your project. You may have to pay back any funds that are not accompanied by a receipt, so be sure to document everything. We’ll provide you with a budget spreadsheet template in Excel to help you track expenses.

Who owns the stuff I buy with my Visa card?

You maintain ownership of your idea and anything you build as part of this project. You are also welcome to keep any materials you purchase for your project. Any tools that you buy should be returned to the Maker Hub for use by other Elon makers.

Examples of tools that should be returned are:

• a soldering iron used to solder parts of your project
• an oscilloscope to measure electrical signals
• a power drill to drill holes.

We recognize there is a gray area in this definition, so please direct any questions about what should be returned to makerhub@elon.edu.

What if I don’t use all the money on my Visa card?

That’s great – you can return it to the Maker Hub. This project has limited funds, so any money you don’t use will go toward helping another Elon maker build their idea.

What if I need equipment that isn’t in the Maker Hub?

Let us know. Equipment like table saws, welding tools, and other traditional workshop equipment is available at Elon. We can work with you to facilitate access to those tools in workshop areas around campus.

Kickbox applications are reviewed by Maker Hub student staff, Teaching and Learning Technology staff (TLT), and by select faculty members serving on the Academic Technology Committee (ATC).

Adobe originally developed Kickbox as a way to inspire innovation among their employees. They have made the materials available for others to use for free. We’ve modified their version to make it a better fit for Elon.