TechPoint Foundation for Youth

CARMEN Commercial Real Estate Services & Duke Realty combined forces, donating time and space at Park 100 to IndianaFIRST.  The practice space provided for dozens of FIRST Robotics Competition Teams in Indiana to perfect their design and prepare for the 2012 FRC game, Rebound Rumble, in preparation for last weekends World Competition in St. Louis.

“The practice field was invaluable to our team this year.  It allowed us to work out the bugs of our robot so that we didn't have a single mechanical failure at the Boilermaker Regional,” said Scott Miller, Project Manager, FRC Team 829.  “It also allowed our drivers to have hours of practice driving the robot and it really showed in our performance.  Our team was able to go undefeated in qualification matches and seed first in the tournament. Many thanks from FIRST Team 829.”

FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) challenges teams of young people and their professional mentors to solve a common problem presented in the form of a high-intensity, sport-like game. In just six short weeks, teams of 25-40 students are charged to design (using CAD software), manufacture, and build a human-sized robot capable of competing in the annual game. Teams made up of high school students, teachers, engineers, technologists, and other adult mentors compete with teams from around the world in what is commonly referred to as “The Super Bowl of Smarts”.

Longtime Board member and advocate of TechPoint Foundation for Youth (TPF4Y) programs, Chris Carmen, President of CARMEN Commercial Real Estate Services, worked to secure practice space for TPF4Y’s current philanthropic start-up, IndianaFIRST, who promoted the space to all Indiana FRC teams.

“CARMEN was thrilled that Duke Realty stepped in and generously provided space to these students who represent some of Indiana’s brightest,” said Chris Carmen.  “When you see these kids compete and the real-world learning involved in this program, it’s simply contagious, and we were happy to help secure a space for them to practice and appreciate Duke Realty’s generosity.”

Nine Indiana Teams won the chance to compete at the FIRST Robotics Competition World Championship:

o   Carmel High School, FRC #868-Winner of the Engineering Inspiration Award at Purdue’s Boilermaker Regional.

o   Center Grove High School, FRC #1741-Winner of the Engineering Inspiration Award at Queen City Regional.

o   Huntington County 4-H, FRC #1501-Alliance Winner at the Boilermaker Regional.

o   Perry Meridian High School, FRC #234-Alliance Winner at the Boilermaker Regional.

o   Knightstown HS & New Castle Career Center, FRC #3947-Winner of Rookie All-star Award at the Boilermaker Regional.

o   Kokomo High School, FRC #45 Alliance Winner at the Queen City Regional & Rookie All-star Winner

o   Michigan City & Marguette High School, #3936-Winner of Rookie Allstar Award at the Midwest Regional.

o   West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School, FRC #461, Winner of Chairman’s Award at Washington DC Regional.

Three teams from Stuart, Fla., Mountain Home, Ark., and North Brunswick, N.J. won the final showdown, earning the covetedFIRST Robotics Competition Championship Winning Alliance. Several other U.S. and international FIRST student robotics teams earned honors for design excellence, competitive play, research, business plans, website design, teamwork, and partnerships. (April 28, 2012, www.usfirst.org)

IndianaFIRST's mission is to inspire young people to be leaders in STEM industries by engaging them in exciting mentor-based robotics programs that build hard skills in science, engineering, and technology as well as valuable 21st century skills such as communication and critical-thinking.

TechPoint Foundation for Youth identified IndianaFIRST as one of its “Greenhouse Initiatives” in 2011, and pledged to assist the organization in its aggressive goal to provide access to high school level FRC programs to 50% of Indiana’s student population by 2015. TPF4Y’s support enabled IndianaFIRST to pilot a training and development program for 11 FRC rookie teams in 2011, preparing them for the 2012 competition.

TechPoint Foundation for Youth is pleased to announce that Ambrose Property Group has joined the Partners in Progress corporate sponsorship program at the Gigabyte Level.  The commercial real estate firm will donate 10% of any commission they receive from transactions involving the employers of TechPoint Foundation for Youth board members, volunteers, or other Partners in Progress.

“For the past few years, I have been mentoring students at TechPoint Foundation for Youth’s Greenhouse Initiative, New Tech High @ Arsenal Tech,” said Ambrose President Aasif Bade. “Now we are taking our dedication to underserved youth to the next level by investing in a Foundation we feel is making a real impact and enticing other companies to do the same.”

As a Partner in Progress, Ambrose will be counted among the Indiana companies who intend to create and retain the next generation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) leaders in our state’s burgeoning science and technology sectors.

“Ambrose Property Group is a great example of corporate citizenship in our community,” said Laura Dodds, Executive Director of TechPoint Foundation for Youth. “Not only are they committing their time to youth of Indiana, they are committing their financial resources.  Ambrose understands that investing in youth today will pay off for tomorrow’s skilled workforce demands.”

TechPoint Foundation for Youth Partners receive a competitive recognition package, as well as, language and our logo to promote their participation to clients and employees.  Partners also enjoy various individual and group volunteer opportunities, allowing employees to engage directly with our Greenhouse Initiatives within the community. 

About Ambrose Property Group: http://www.ambrosepg.com

Ambrose Property Group, a full-service commercial real estate firm, is a recognized leader in development, brokerage, property/asset management, and supplemental commercial real estate services.  Ambrose relies upon their expertise in the office, health care, industrial, and retail sectors to support their clients in planning and investing for the future.  

Educator and Technology Education Entrepreneur Todd Whitlock
to Receive TechPoint Foundation for Youth Bridge Builder Award

Whitlock will accept the TechPoint Foundation for Youth Bridge Builder Award at
TechPoint’s Mira Awards Gala presented by BKD CPAs & Advisors at the JW Marriott on May 12th

INDIANAPOLIS (March 22, 2012) — TechPoint Foundation for Youth is pleased to announce that Indiana educator and technology education entrepreneur Todd Whitlock has been selected by the Foundation’s board of directors as the 2012 Bridge Builder Award Recipient.

Whitlock currently serves as the technology, curriculum, and testing coordinator at North Daviess Community School Corporation in Elnora, Ind., in Daviess County. He is also the cofounder of EdTechZone, LLC, a startup company that consults on a broad range of technology education issues, including helping school corporations develop a vision and direction for their technology and curriculum programs. EdTechZone recently made headlines when its mobile device enabled, online teacher evaluation tool – “Standards for Success” – was adopted by the Indiana Association of School Principals.

The TechPoint Foundation for Youth Bridge Builder Award is given annually to an individual, program or organization that has demonstrated, beyond the call of duty, a sustained ability to:

• Provide STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program access to underserved Indiana youth
• Educate underserved Indiana youth with real world STEM applications
• Inspire underserved Indiana youth to engage in their futures and pursue STEM careers
• Engage professionals in volunteerism that supports STEM initiatives serving underserved Indiana Youth

Todd Whitlock was chosen for his significant and lasting contributions in transforming education by providing Indiana students with 21st Century, high-tech classroom and out-of-classroom experiences.

Whitlock led a team that brought the New Tech High Learning Model to North Daviess Community Schools, and began a take-home computer program in his district. In collaboration with a local university, Whitlock spearheaded a program that allows students to graduate with a High School diploma while also receiving a General Studies Associate’s Degree. This year, 29 percent of the 2012 graduating class of North Daviess High School will graduate with a high school diploma and a general studies associate’s degree. This group includes five students who are the first generation in their families to ever receive post-secondary degrees. Fifty-three percent of these students will also utilize their education and 21st century skills from being part of a take home 1:1 program to enter college in a STEM field. The community has less than 10 percent of the adults with a bachelor’s degree and less than 20 percent with an Associate’s degree.

Whitlock has been active at the state-level in working to restructure the textbook adoption rules and worked with Indiana Senator Kenley to restructure the budget bill for equitable textbook reimbursement for every eligible child. Whitlock works to make sure students have the same access to information and opportunities regardless of socio-economic status or geographical location. He works to eliminate barriers that limit opportunities for students.

The Bridge Builder Award given by TechPoint Foundation for Youth is a part of TechPoint’s annual Mira Awards program recognizing excellence and innovation demonstrated by Indiana’s outstanding technology industry performers and contributors, and focuses attention on the broader issue of the important role technology plays in Indiana’s economy. Whitlock will receive the award at TechPoint’s Mira Awards Gala on May 12, at the JW Marriot in Indianapolis.

“The influence Todd Whitlock has had on education reform movements in Indiana has had a lasting and far reaching impact,” said Laura Dodds, executive director of TechPoint Foundation for Youth. “Todd’s passion for preparing both students and school districts to meet the needs of Indiana’s current and future workforce is an inspiration. It is our pleasure and honor to recognize his commitment to technology education.”

Marvin Bailey, campus president at Harrison College NW and chairman of the TechPoint Foundation for Youth board of directors said: “Todd is an education and technology entrepreneur. He’s so passionate about kids and learning and using technology effectively to do so. He’s creative – and he’s always challenging the status-quo with that creativity. His mindset is always about the ‘possible,’ never a thought allowed for why something can’t be done. He’s a champion and this award reflects his vision, his accomplishments and his perseverance in making so many exciting things happen in education.”

Whitlock was named one of the National School Boards Association’s “20 to Watch,” and he received a TechPoint Mira Award in the Education Contribution to Technology K-12 category. He was selected as an International Research Presenter and traveled to Amalfi, Italy, to deliver his paper “1:1 computing and the impact on student learning, teaching, and the community.” Whitlock has been awarded more than $2 million in Competitive Technology Grants since 2000. He served as a board member for the Hoosier Educational Computer Coordinators for 10 years, including serving as president in 2004 and conference chair from 2003-2011. Whitlock is also a Tourette’s Syndrome Association of Indiana fundraiser and educational awareness partner.

Whitlock earned his bachelor’s degree from Ball State University and his master’s degree from Oakland City University. He lives in Cloverdale, Indiana with his wife, Dianna and 3 children. Education is always a topic in the home as Dianna is an administrator at Cloverdale Elementary and their oldest son is graduating from Indiana State University with an education degree. Their youngest son and daughter attend Cloverdale Community schools.

“It is rather humbling to be considered and even much more being named the TechPoint Foundation for Youth Bridge Builder, Whitlock said. “I have been lucky to work in a school and serve on organizations that allow for crazy ideas and that are willing to go against the norm to provide opportunities for children. This may have my name attached to the award but it is actually the school, community, and organizations that are the real winners of this award.”

As we wrap up the fiscal year 2011 for the TechPoint Foundation for Youth, I write you this morning to offer a very sincere thank you to all of you who volunteered, attended an event, made a gift, or perhaps cheered from the sidelines on the many tremendous things happening at the Foundation in 2011. Whew! It was terrific!

 On Oct. 5, 2011 the TechPoint Foundation celebrated its 10th anniversary and announced a new name, logo and mission to reflect its work and impact on Indiana’s future workforce. 

This post is written by Kendra Grossman, a graduating senior who has been part of the FIRST Robotics Competition throughout her four years of high school

The last few weeks of my high school career flew by and it didn`t really feel like it was the end. On my last day my robotics coach, Jeff Smith,  gave me a hug and that’s when it hit me; I was no longer a high school student. Don`t get me wrong, honestly  I was very happy to be done with high school, but at the same time, I was saddened by the thought that completing high school means no longer being a student on the FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) team 1024, Kil-A-Bytes.  For the past four years my life has revolved around robotics, I couldn`t wait till school started because preseason would start, then I couldn`t wait until second semester started so that build season would start and then March meant competition season and so on. My team was a family to me. For 46 days, we spent almost every day together, we ate together, we did homework together, we disagreed with one another, we argued and of course we build a pretty darn cool robot together. 

If you're familiar with the Techpoint Foundation you're probably also aware of Techpoint. As the prominent trade organization that aims to accelerate the technology sector, Techpoint has become a major player in the Indianapolis technology community. Since the Techpoint Foundation shares a name with Techpoint it's logical to think that the two are related. However, Techpoint and the Techpoint Foundation are two completely separate organizations with two very different missions. Hopefully this post can help clear up any misconception.

Here at the Techpoint Foundation we've heard several different interpretations of our relationship with Techpoint from our supporters. Some believe that the Techpoint Foundation is the "philanthropic arm" of Techpoint, or that Techpoint is the parent organization of the Techpoint Foundation. Others believe that we're two different divisions of the same organization. The reality is that the two organizations work together on certain initiatives, but it's two separate organizations with separate fundraising efforts and separate missions.

What is Techpoint?
Techpoint is Indiana's initiative for the technology sector as it promotes entrepreneurship and accelerates growth of technology-based companies. The main focus is to improve the current economy, and to make it advantageous for technology companies to do business in Indiana. Techpoint puts on events like the annual Mira Awards that display the best new Indiana companies each year. Techpoint also is behind the Measured Marketing initiative that is positioning Indianapolis as the top place in the nation for firms that provide technology based maketing tools to other businesses. Techpoint is part of the CICP (Central Indiana Corporate Partnership)

What is the Techpoint Foundation?
While Techpoint is focused on the current economy, Techpoint Foundation is looking to the future to develop Indiana's youth. We're focused on identifying organizations that have the potential to make a big impact on Indiana's youth and then investing money, guidance, and manpower into those organizations to amplify their impact. One way to think of it is that we're a "venture philanthropy" organization. We invest resources in programs that assist Indiana’s underserved youth develop critical 21st Century skills in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. Techpoint Foundation is part of CICF (Central Indiana Community Foundation).

Hopefully that gives you a little better understanding of two outstanding organizations that are working to make Indiana a great place for technology innovation now and for years to come.

Marv Bailey is the Chairman of the Board for the Techpoint Foundation. He recently wrote this letter to supporters to give them insight into how the Techpoint Foundation is making a big impact on the Indianapolis community. We wanted to republish the letter here on the blog.

As the 2011 Board Chair, I want to take a few minutes to share just one of the many heartwarming stories from our New Tech High project, and introduce our next, equally inspiring social venture project: 

Joe Crandall, age 18

Joe Crandall has not had it easy in life, but you might not know it based on his life’s trajectory. Joe lost his mother at the age of 14, and has never had a meaningful relationship with his father who lives in another state. His maternal grandmother stepped in, though it has been tough for both of them because of limited physical and financial support. A shy, introverted youth in many ways, Joe came to believe that his education was the only way to improve their lives. He came to New Tech High in 2007, hoping for a chance to experience a new kind of learning. What he found was so much more: a family of students, teachers, staff and TechPoint Foundation mentors who supported him in ways that traditional education simply does not allow. Today, Joe attributes his academic success to constant challenges presented through rigorous coursework and dual-credit opportunities at IUPUI.  Joe will graduate in two short weeks as the Valedictorian with a 4.1 GPA beating out 2500 other Arsenal Tech High School students. Joe, a first generation high school graduate, will attend Purdue in the fall to study biology on a full ride scholarship.  He continues to work closely with the TechPoint Foundation College Coach who is helping him navigate the college enrollment and scholarship process.  

Our New Tech High project is wrapping up, as Joe and the first class of seniors start new chapters in their post-secondary lives. After four years, countless hours of staff and volunteer time, and more than $375,000 in financial support, TechPoint Foundation’s investment has paid off with 80% of our seniors graduating this spring.  New Tech High will graduate 34% more students than the IPS district average and will send more students directly into post-secondary education opportunities: 75% of New Tech graduates have already enrolled in colleges or universities across the state.  

Thank you to those of you who gave your time, talent and treasure to help make this school a success. Now, let me introduce you to our next project.


Robots and Real-World Impact

After a competitive grant process, the Foundation selected IndianaFIRST as its next multi-year venture. IndianaFIRST inspires young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting extracurricular robotics programs that build science, engineering and technology skills. 

We are excited by the fast-paced, real-world applications of competitive robotics programs and their impact on youth. We’ll leverage TechPoint Foundation’s human and financial resources within our communities to partner with IndianaFIRST, helping this organization achieve scale in Indiana through:

• expansion of extracurricular robotics programs for K-12 youth,

• increased opportunities for mentors and volunteers to inspire students to pursue STEM careers, 

• connection of corporations and community members to STEM related philanthropic opportunities,

• establishment of competitive grants for student teams in need of initial and sustaining financial support, and

• creation of collaborative training and educational spaces to support year-round STEM programming.

Since 2001, TechPoint Foundation has served as an intermediary between the Indianapolis technology community and underserved populations. We connect people and dollars, multiplying resources to help programs such as IndianaFIRST influence youth. We need your help to build the talented, creative workforce of the future for all of our Indiana communities. 

We look forward to sharing this next chapter with you.