Underserved Youth

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.

 

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!

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.”

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.”

 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. 

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.