TechPoint Foundation for Youth has launched a campaign to expand its popular after-school State Robotics Initiative (SRI) into Indiana classrooms to encourage an additional 1,000 Hoosier girls and children of color toward tech careers.
SRI is the Foundation’s largest program, with 24,000 students already participating. Like others within the nonprofit organization, it is designed to grow k-12 students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects and to propel them into successful tech careers. It relies on support from key partners like Group 1001, Herbert Simon Family Foundation, Eli Lilly and Co. Foundation, Inc. and Roche Diagnostics.
Nine schools are currently piloting VEX GO, the Foundation’s classroom robotics curriculum. Feedback from teachers and students has been extremely positive, says George Giltner, the Foundation’s President and CEO.
“We hope to launch the VEX GO program in an additional 10 schools in the coming year as a direct result of Mira gala fundraising,” he says.
Meeting that goal will require additional funding. Giltner will outline the success and potential of the SRI program at TechPoint’s annual Mira Awards on April 23 and use the opportunity to seek $17,500 in donation from the “Best of Indiana tech” sell-out crowd. Donations may be made in advance of the event here: bit.ly/supportTPYouth.
SRI is currently offered in elementary, middle, and high schools and community centers throughout the state. Robotics teams help students learn about mechanical and electrical engineering, coding/computer programming, designing, prototyping and problem solving. The program culminates with the largest VEX Robotics State Championship in the country, gathering 270+ teams from schools across the state at Lucas Oil Stadium.
“Bringing VEX GO into the classroom will let every student experience STEM Education through the robotics curriculum, rather than just those who self-select to join a robotics team,” says Jamie Inskeep, the Foundation’s director of programs. “It will help girls and students of color gain confidence and competence in STEM fields and let them see themselves working in STEM careers.”
VEX GO curriculum will also give teachers an innovative and engaging way to teach STEM subjects, she adds.
