STEM Learning

 

Let’s play a word recognition game. When you see the word ROBOT, what is the first image that pops into your head? When I began working with IndianaFIRST, TPF4Y’s current Greenhouse Initiative, my response was a mixture of the above images… minus the one on the far right.

But the most realistic image that could pop into your head just so happens to be that one on the far right – it’s a robot built by high school students on FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team 292 PantherTech, based out of Russiaville, Indiana.

The more I learned about IndianaFIRST’s goal of growing FIRST programming in Indiana, the more I wanted to learn about these robots that were giving students access to real-world STEM skills. But there’s only so much you can learn from a picture. To really get the full (and exciting!) effect of a game featuring six, 140 pound robots competing against each other, you just have to go to a competition.

As luck would have it, IndianaFIRST is hosting a state championship event for FRC teams on Saturday, May 18^th at Perry Meridian High School. The Indiana FIRST Robotics Championship is free and open to the public and the final elimination tournament begins at 1 p.m.

This one-day event will allow students on the top twenty-four FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics teams in Indiana to compete against each other for the title of first-ever Indiana FIRST Robotics Champion. The 2013 challenge is called Ultimate Ascent and allows two alliances of three robots to face off against each other on opposite ends of a 27’ x 54’ field. The objective is to have the robots shoot discs into several “goals” located at either end of the field as well as at the top of each of two metal pyramids located in the middle of the field. At the end of the match, robots can earn additional points for climbing the metal pyramids – the higher they get, the more points they earn.

The Indiana FIRST Robotics Championship is sponsored by TPF4Y as a part of our partnership with IndianaFIRST. This sponsorship and partnership are helping to grow FIRST programs of all levels to underserved areas in the state of Indiana.

For more information on the Indiana FIRST Robotics Championship and to see the schedule of events, please visit the website at www.IndianaFIRST.org/event-information.

 

TPF4Y recently sat down with Pete Gall, Director of Brand & Content Strategy at KA+A, a strategic design consulting agency in Indianapolis, and one of our prized Partners in Progress. We wanted to learn their take on the importance of corporate philanthropy and involvement in the local community, so Pete gave us some introspective thoughts on why KA+A gets involved and stays involved.

As a company who has proven your commitment to corporate philanthropy, can you share with us why you feel it is important for companies to partner with nonprofit organizations?

We understand that whatever a person does with their days is what they do with their life. People want their days, and their lives, to matter. We choose to live in pursuit of identity and meaning. The more we can contribute to the community from our individual strengths, and the more room we make for our associates to pursue the sorts of things that add meaning to their lives, the happier they are, the more they love working at KA+A, and the more value they experience in their days. And a lot of the time, their efforts make an impact on other people. At the very least, we believe in living an example that's worth noticing.

There are many organizations worthy of your support. What made you decide to support TPF4Y?

We work almost exclusively with high growth, tech-enabled companies, from fresh-faced startups to dominant market leaders. That's who we choose to serve, and who we see changing the world in the most meaningful ways. Partnering with TPF4Y provides us an important opportunity to invest in tomorrow's talent - before they've even hatched their first startup idea or disrupted the industry. 

We appreciate TPF4Y's venture-led approach. They invest both human and financial resources in each of their Greenhouse Initiatives and stay in only as long as required to get things going before moving on to the next initiative. They're good stewards of their investors’ talents and funds and work hard to ensure that each is optimized. 

We also see particular value in bringing STEM opportunities into the lives of kids whose other opportunities are more limited. STEM is a fantastic social equalizer - the industries it feeds reward freshness, creativity, and the willingness to take chances. We're all about that sort of thing, and we see TPF4Y kids being tomorrow's leaders.

TPF4Y is committed to growing the next generation of science and technology leaders in Indiana. What do you feel is our state's most important workforce challenge?

Every challenge is freighted with opportunity, and that's where we focus. The state's greatest workforce opportunities belong to creative innovators who can develop skills, seize opportunities, and build businesses that scale and evolve rapidly. That's STEM. Indiana has a very long history of technical innovation that becomes leading business. From automotive to healthcare, and now to digital leaders like ExactTarget and Angie's List, today's workforce opportunities are exactly the opportunities that have always carried Indiana. All that's changed with TPF4Y is the specific technology, the target audience, and the community of support that's making success more accessible than it's ever been.

To learn more about KA+A, visit their website at www.KAplusA.com, follow them on Twitter @KAplusA, and like them on Facebook at Kristian Andersen + Associates. You can also follow Pete on Twitter @PeteGall. 

Ambrose Property Group is a commercial real estate firm in Indianapolis and a valued TPF4Y Partner in Progress. Their president, Aasif Bade, has been a long-time mentor of students at New Tech High @ Arsenal Tech, one of our previous Greenhouse Initiatives, and Ambrose continues to donate to the Foundation 10% of any commission they receive from transactions involving the employers of TechPoint Foundation for Youth board members, volunteers, or other Partners in Progress. We are especially grateful for and excited to announce their most recent donation of over $12,000 to TPF4Y, which will further our mission of Growing Indiana’s Future through STEM-related programs for underserved youth. In light of their continuing generosity, we caught up with Ambrose to learn more about their philanthropic dedication to the Indianapolis community.

As a company who has proven your commitment to corporate philanthropy, can you share with us why you feel it is important for companies to partner with nonprofit organizations?

At Ambrose Property Group, we believe that a company's success goes hand in hand with the success of the community in which it resides. Therefore we feel there is a certain responsibility to partner with nonprofit organizations. These organizations nurture and advance causes that help grow the community in a variety of ways. Being involved in a nonprofit organization is a way for companies to invest and help create a better environment for everyone.

There are many organizations worthy of your support. What made you decide to support TPF4Y?

Indianapolis' technology sector has shown growth and success that it is generating a buzz that compares it to Silicon Valley. Ambrose believes Indianapolis has a tremendous opportunity to continue growing in this field but it is essential to fuel this movement. Therefore, Ambrose takes pride in supporting Tech Point Foundation for Youth because it is organizations like this that will enhance the growth of our community, attracting talent and attention from around the nation that will benefit our hometown.

TPF4Y is committed to growing the next generation of science and technology leaders in Indiana. What do you feel is our state's most important workforce challenge?

While Indianapolis has put itself on the map for technology and science innovators, it is imperative that we focus on retaining the talent that we grow. Our biggest challenge is creating the opportunities and support services to individuals who face barriers to employment or finding resources in these fields.

 

The TechPoint Foundation for Youth is pleased to announce the winners of the EnablINg STEM Grant, which is designed to supplement the high cost of STEM programs in the classroom. The grant was open to all Indiana 3^rd through 8^th grade classroom teachers in schools with a free and reduced cost lunch percentage of 55% or greater. The evaluation of the classroom projects presented in the grant applications was based on innovation, the enhancement of existing science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) curriculum, and the implementation of hands-on, inquiry-based STEM programming.

 

Meet LaShaundra Bridges, the TPF4Y Development & Communications Intern. LaShaundra started with TPF4Y in January and will be graduating from IUPUI in May, at which point she plans to attend graduate school to earn her MPA degree with a concentration in Nonprofit Management.

What was your first impression of TPF4Y?

I am in my final year of undergraduate and my ultimate career dream is to be an executive director of a nonprofit. I have a lot of passions so I cannot tell you my focus. There are so many problems that need to be solved so I am willing to use my skills in any area I can. As I researched the job requirements to become an executive director, I knew it would be very challenging. Organizations want you to have 10 years of experience. I know I don’t have nearly enough professional experience.

I was not required to take another internship but I wanted to gain more experience. I began to scout out new opportunities, all of them falling short. I came upon TPF4Y’s internship ad by luck and I applied immediately. I researched the organization and tried to know as much as I could for the interview. The job description was perfect. I could learn about asset development, leadership, communications, and so much more. Meeting Laura and Maggie has made me feel like I fell upon a pot of gold. They are passionate about their work and I know they really love TPF4Y. It made me feel like I finally found a place where my skills could develop, I could learn, and I could bring something to the organization as well. I enjoy what TPF4Y does for Indiana and their impression will be a lasting one for me and Indiana.

What do you do when you aren't interning or going to school at IUPUI?

I am a pretty laid back person. I enjoy cooking, playing video games, spending time with family, my wonderful boyfriend and my dog Coco, volunteering, shopping, traveling, eating at restaurants, and watching anime and cartoons.

Why do you think it is important for youth in Indianapolis to be involved in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)?

It is important for youth to be involved in STEM because the world is changing. The world is run by technology. At one time, we were using dial-up modems and landlines and now we have cell phones that can talk to us, satellite TV, and high-speed internet. Thanks to STEM, our world is more connected than ever. We are saving lives by creating new medicines. We are building robots that assist doctors in surgeries. We have technology to build things faster and safer. We have social media that connects people worldwide.

STEM creates a world of opportunities. Over the years, engineering enrollment has decreased. I feel it is because people haven’t inspired children to learn these skills. Education is so bogged down by standardized testing rather than teaching students skills they can use. STEM offers a way for children to learn, use these hands-on skills and have fun doing it.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?

I have a few cool quirks. I studied Japanese for 6 years and Chinese for 2 years. I enjoy foreign languages and cultures. I am not fluent in either but I do enjoy watching Japanese cartoons. It helps me remember. Before I began studying nonprofit management and civic leadership, I was an international business major and I wanted to be an international business lawyer. Even though I am not pursuing that anymore, I do want to travel abroad to Japan and China if I ever had the opportunity.

What do you most hope to learn while interning with TPF4Y?

I want to learn as much as I can. I want to be able to learn how nonprofits/foundations run. I want to learn more about leadership and what it takes to direct the daily functions of an organization. My career goal is to be an executive director. I have to have the guts and strength to direct and inspire people; the volunteers, my staff, and the community we serve.

An Interview with Mark Boxberger

Meet Mark Boxberger, a TPF4Y board member for the past five years. Mark serves as the VP of Client Servcies for PolicyStat, and is very involved with First Presbyterian Church where he serves as the Endowment Treasuerer.

How did you learn about TPF4Y?

Eleven or twelve years ago, several friends and colleagues started the INITA Foundation and I have always been interested in the work they were doing to help kids.  This effort has grown into today's TechPoint Foundation for Youth.

What made you decide to support TPF4Y initiatives?

I joined the board a little over five years ago after a conversation with the executive director and a board member.  I saw that they were doing several things very well - filing a gap in the needs of underserved kids, offering a conduit for technology companies in the area to support non-profits with financial support, and exposing opportunities for volunteerism from these companies.  I also like the approach to what we call "venture philanthropy."  Just like venture capitalists, we look for organizations that have a great start and a great idea, and simply need some capital to help them achieve their goals - that capital we provide is usually both human and financial.

What would you say to others interested in supporting TPF4Y initiatives?

Look at not only our mission, but what we have done over the past 10 years.  If this fits your personal goals or the goals of your organization, we have tremendous opportunities for you to help some very deserving kids.  The great thing about TPF4Y is that you can support us and our greenhouse initiatives and you know that we have taken the time to vet those organizations that we support.  In addition, we add value to the mission of the organizations we support by bringing in people & process where they need it - we are not just writing checks. 

Why do you think it is important for youth of Indianapolis to be involved in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)?

When you look at the forecasts for job growth, over the next 10 years, STEM jobs are growing almost twice as fast as non-STEM jobs.  Companies build growth plans around their ability fill these kinds of jobs.  Not everyone wants to become an engineer or a scientist and the great thing about these skills - they open the door for literally thousands of potential career paths.

What does the future hold for technology in Indianapolis and Indiana?

You see industry groups like TechPoint, Conexus, BioCrossroads, ESN working to grow this economy and make it easier for companies to move to or expand in Indiana.  We must have the workforce to support that growth.  TPF4Y is working to grow that workforce in our own backyards - "Growing Indiana's Future" as we say!

An Interview with Christine Y. Fitzpatrick, Ed.D.

Member of the Board, TechPoint Foundation for Youth

I’ve been familiar with TechPoint Foundation for Youth from the very beginning, when the Foundation was launched in 2001.

What made you decide to support TPF4Y initiatives?

There is no more important investment we can make than support for the next generation, our young people.  As an educator, I have a lifelong commitment to development of human capability toward one’s highest and best aspirations, so an organization committed to “growing Indiana’s future” is definitely going to get my attention. My first position at IUPUI, as director of a pre-college program in the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology, made a profound impression on me regarding the importance of engaging youth at an early age to explore their potential through hands-on learning. TPF4Y fills an important need by seeking out promising ideas and efforts that develop the talents and potential of youth in science, technology, engineering, and math, and then nurturing these with philanthropic support, mentoring, and guidance to help the initiatives grow for the benefit of Indiana’s youth today and for our future.

What would you say to others interested in supporting TPF4Y initiatives?

Find a way to get involved now! One of the easiest ways is to make an individual contribution and to volunteer. You can also be a champion for TPF4Y by encouraging your company or organization to become a Partner in Progress. As a Partner in Progress, your company will help create and retain the next generation of leaders in our state’s growing science and technology business sectors.  Partnering with TPF4Y, you can influence the youth of Indiana and help shape the future workforce vital to our state's economy. 

Why do you think it is important for youth of Indianapolis to be involved in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)?

Regardless of whether a young person plans to become an engineer, computer scientist, medical practitioner, researcher, or accountant, everyone’s career path and quality of life can be enhanced by developing skills in quantitative reasoning, problem solving, scientific literacy, teamwork – the very skills bolstered by programs and initiatives supported by TechPoint Foundation for Youth.  Widespread participation of our youth in programs such as IndianaFIRST, New Tech High, and Net Literacy can result in transformative change to our economy. Just imagine successive generations of Indiana’s citizens becoming more highly skilled in all respects and, in turn, applying their skills to develop opportunities in our state for generations to come!  We need to make a concerted effort to engage many more students across the state of Indiana in experiential learning and STEM. TPF4Y is committed to growing these initiatives.

What does the future hold for technology in Indianapolis and Indiana?

I am extremely excited by what the future holds for technology in Indianapolis and Indiana! I see much evidence for this firsthand: In my work on behalf of the IUPUI Solution Center, I have the opportunity to meet many entrepreneurs and innovators and help them link with student talent at IUPUI.  As an instructor, I’ve had the good fortune to work with many talented students on their way to leadership careers in science and technology (in fact, a number of my former students are leading such organizations now!). As a member of the Board for TPF4Y, I look forward to sustaining my own commitment and to seeing a day when Indiana becomes a world model for its extensive array of STEM programs and opportunities for youth -- and a magnet for even more talent and investment.

November 20th, 2012

Mayor Greg Ballard today announced the City of Indianapolis in January will host the inaugural Indianapolis VEX Robotics City Championship presented by Roche Diagnostics aimed at inspiring students to continue with higher-level education and science, technology, engineering and mathematic (STEM) career pathways. Mayor Ballard also announced Roche Diagnostics is the presenting sponsor of the competition, which will be held at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis January 19-20.

“This competition aims to inspire our community’s next generation of leaders and innovators,” said Mayor Ballard. “Robotics teams are an innovative and hands-on way schools across the country engage students in learning and applying STEM skills. Thanks to our partners and premier sponsor Roche Diagnostics, we are creating a climate in Indianapolis where accomplishments in academics are celebrated.”

Indianapolis is home to the North American headquarters for Roche Diagnostics, which is part of the Swiss-based Roche Group, a leader in research-focused healthcare with combined strengths in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics.

“As part of the world’s largest biotech company, the focus of our business at Roche Diagnostics relies heavily on advancements in science, technology and engineering,” said Tom Adkins, senior vice president, Roche Diagnostics Operations. “And so we’re thrilled to support this new STEM initiative, which will help engage local kids with the wonder of science to help create future innovators for our growing Central Indiana life sciences community.”

Every high school in Marion County is eligible to participate in the tournament, which exposes students to the excitement of competitive robotics and inspires many to continue on with other higher-level robotics programming and ideally, STEM career pathways. Today’s announcement was held at Warren Central High School’s Walker Career Center, a state-of-the-art facility whose staff and faculty are committed to providing students with tools and guidance necessary to compete successfully in a global and technical world. Of the 38 high schools with teams participating in the championship, 30 did not have robotics teams prior to Mayor Ballard announcing the City would host a championship. The top four teams at the championship will qualify for the Vex Robotics World Championship in Anaheim, Calif., April 17-20, 2013.

“It is a pleasure to partner with Mayor Ballard and Roche Diagnostics to provide students and educators in Indianapolis an opportunity to engage with hands-on, curriculum-based robotics programming and competitions,” said Jason Morrella, President of the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, which is operating the Indianapolis VEX Robotics City Championship. “Our focus is to inspire students and encourage their interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to set a foundation for future success.”

The Indianapolis city championship introduces students to robotics using the VEX Robotics Design System. Teams of two to 10 students, with guidance from their teachers and mentors, will build innovative robots to obtain points during the competition. VEX Robotics technology already is incorporated into Walker Career Center’s curriculum including principals of engineering, computer integrated manufacturing and digital electronics.

Project Lead The Way, the nation’s leading provider of STEM education, and Ivy Tech Community College are supporting the competition by providing volunteers to help run the event in January and by hosting workshops leading up to the event to help local schools prepare for competition.

Also partnering on the championships is TechPoint Foundation for Youth, a nonprofit venture philanthropic organization with the mission to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders among Indiana’s underserved youth populations. In October, TechPoint Foundation for Youth announced plans to pilot a collaborative STEM space for Central Indiana.

Want to attend the event this weekend, January 19th and 20th? Learn more at The Mayor's Office website!

For more information, please visit www.vexrobotics.com and www.robotevents.com.

On Tuesday, December 11^th, the TechPoint Foundation for Youth hosted An Evening of Robotics, a “friend-raiser” event held at Barnes & Thornburg showcasing a number of robotics teams and featuring Mayor Greg Ballard as he spoke about the importance of robotics and STEM initiatives in Indianapolis.

The event served several purposes, allowing guests to learn more about TPF4Y’s current Greenhouse Initiative, IndianaFIRST, as well as the collaborative space being piloted by the Foundation to help underserved students in central Indiana pursue STEM career paths, and the upcoming Indianapolis VEX Robotics Championship presented by Roche Diagnostics.

Teams from each of the four levels of FIRST were represented at the event so that guests could talk to the students, see live robotics demonstrations, and gain a better understanding of the progression of the program through the different age levels. There were also several VEX robots and students present as well as a VEX competition field, which will be used in the Indianapolis VEX Robotics Championship on January 19^th and 20^th at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

“This event was a great opportunity for our guests to experience first-hand the impact that these robotics programs have on their student participants,” said Marvin Bailey, the Chairman of the Board for the TechPoint Foundation for Youth. “Talking to these students and seeing the robots they built and programmed is the key to understanding the importance of quality STEM programming for students in Indiana.”

An Interview with Eric Goodman

Eric Goodman grew up in Indianapolis, and has been involved with TechPoint Foundation For Youth for quite some time.  He is a seasoned volunteer, and also serves on the Board of Directors for TPF4Y.  Outside of helping STEM initiatives gain traction in Indianapolis, Eric is an Attorney at Ice Miller LLP.

How did you learn about TPF4Y?

I was at a Verge meeting at the end of 2010 where Doug Rammel gave a pitch about TPF4Y and mentioned they were looking for volunteers.  I was looking for a new philanthropy to get involved with so that planted the seed. A few months later I bumped into Rammel at a Venture Club meeting and we started talking about getting me involved.

What made you decide to support TPF4Y initiatives? 

I moved through a variety of different school systems in Indianapolis growing up here (private, Indianapolis public, Carmel public) and saw first hand what a difference just giving a kid an opportunity can make.  I also have a vested interest in seeing the tech community in Indiana succeed and building STEM skills in today's youth is critical to that success.

What would you say to others interested in supporting TPF4Y initiatives? 

Get off the sidelines and get involved. Don't just talk about it, we have enough talkers in this world.  We need more doers.

Why do you think it is important for youth of Indianapolis to be involved in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)?

There would be no tech sector in Indianapolis without people interested in tinkering and developing technology/software. If you plant that seed early, it will be lifelong passion.

What does the future hold for technology in Indianapolis and Indiana?

If I knew the answer to that we'd all make a lot of money.  But I think we are well set up for the future based on the younger generation of entrepreneurs I see coming up in the immediate future and the great foundation we're working to lay at TPF4Y for the medium and long term.

 

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.

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.”

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.