How a Student-Led Idea Became a Community Fundraising Platform
After identifying an opportunity to improve donor engagement, Dhruv and Teigan approached the National Railroad Museum with a unique idea: create an interactive fundraising platform that allows supporters to follow a virtual train journey around the world.
The result is
Track Around the World, a year-long fundraising initiative that transforms donations into an engaging experience. As fundraising milestones are reached, the virtual train travels to destinations connected to countries where the museum’s locomotives and artifacts originated. Each stop unlocks new educational content, creating an experience that encourages donors to stay engaged long after making a contribution.
Rather than simply collecting donations and sending a receipt, the platform creates an ongoing connection between donors and the museum’s mission.
Technology with Purpose
While the concept is impressive, the technology behind it is equally remarkable.
Dhruv explains that the project’s centerpiece, an interactive globe, required tens of thousands of lines of code and extensive planning to ensure the platform worked seamlessly across devices. The team also built integrations with the museum’s existing donor management systems, allowing donations to flow directly into established processes without creating additional administrative work.
Perhaps most importantly, the students focused on making the platform sustainable. The backend was designed so future students, museum staff, or community volunteers can continue managing and improving the program long after they graduate.
The goal wasn’t simply to build a website. It was to create something that could serve the community for years to come.
Why the Next Generation Deserves More Credit
One of the most interesting conversations in the episode focuses on perceptions of younger generations.
Teigan discusses how many people assume today’s students rely entirely on AI or shortcuts, when in reality many young people are leveraging technology while still putting in the hard work required to create meaningful solutions.
Both students emphasize the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and developing skills across multiple disciplines. Whether it’s programming, business, finance, mathematics, artificial intelligence, or the sciences, they believe the future belongs to people who can blend different areas of expertise to solve real-world problems.
Their project serves as a powerful example of what can happen when young people are trusted with meaningful opportunities.
Innovation Through Selflessness
A recurring theme throughout the conversation is that this project was never about personal recognition.
The students repeatedly stress that the platform was designed for the benefit of the community, not for themselves. By creating a system that can be handed off to future students and supporters, they’ve ensured the project can continue growing independent of its original creators.
That selfless mindset impressed both Conor and Stephanie. Rather than looking for quick wins or personal gain, the students focused on creating long-term value for an organization that serves the entire region.
It’s a reminder that some of the most impactful innovations begin with a simple question: “How can I help?”
The National Railroad Museum’s Vision for the Future
Stephanie Kleman also shares insights into the National Railroad Museum’s ongoing expansion efforts and the important role community support plays in the museum’s future.
The museum is continuing to work through fundraising efforts connected to its Fox River Expansion project while planning future development phases. Beyond preserving railroad history, the museum remains committed to its broader mission of inspiring lifelong learning through educational programming, interactive exhibits, and community engagement.
The conversation also highlights several lesser-known benefits of museum membership, including reciprocal admission opportunities at participating museums and attractions across the country. Stephanie further emphasizes the organization’s commitment to accessibility through programs that help ensure lower-income families can experience everything the museum has to offer.
Community, Collaboration, and Relationships
Throughout the episode, one message stands out: meaningful change happens when people work together.
The collaboration between the National Railroad Museum, local students, educators, businesses, and community leaders demonstrates what’s possible when talent and passion are directed toward a shared goal. It’s a testament to the idea that innovation isn’t limited by age, title, or experience level.
For Conor, the project reflects exactly what Your Business Tech Podcast was created to showcase: people coming together to strengthen their communities through technology, leadership, and relationships.
Ready to Talk About Technology Innovation?
The Track Around the World project demonstrates how powerful technology can be when it’s paired with creativity, strategic thinking, and a genuine desire to serve others. At LoyalITy, we believe technology should do more than just function. It should solve problems, support long-term goals, and create meaningful outcomes for organizations and the communities they serve. Whether you’re looking to improve donor engagement, streamline operations, strengthen cybersecurity, or leverage technology in new and innovative ways, our team is ready to help you turn great ideas into real business results.
