TechPoint Foundation for Youth (TPF4Y) has about 100 grants available for elementary, middle and high school robotics programs, and Evansville is a focus for them.
TechPoint Foundation for Youth (TPF4Y) has 100 currently unassigned grants to help schools create robotics teams and hopes to give them to Evansville-area schools.
“Robotics helps kids learn to solve problems, communicate, and work collaboratively. It’s also a fun introduction to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM),” says Jamie Inskeep, TPF4Y director of programs.
There are about 2100 VEX IQ robotics teams in Indiana, with many of them concentrated in central Indiana. Inskeep wants to expand that reach in Evansville and other cities well outside Indianapolis.
“Robotics are especially great for girls, low-income youth, and students of color, who are generally underrepresented in STEM careers later in life,” she said. “This is a fun, affordable way to keep them involved, thriving and potentially working toward a tech career, and we really want to be sure all Indiana students have access to this opportunity.”
TPF4Y funds the first year, providing schools with re-usable robotics kits, the complete field and game elements, $150 registration fee for the team, and coaches training.
Funding for the program comes from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, the Department of Education, Guggenheim Life and Annuity, Roche Diagnostics, Eli Lilly and Company, and other donations.
About TechPoint Foundation For Youth As the leader in technology education efforts for the state of Indiana since 2001, TechPoint Foundation for Youth is committed to inspiring our state's underserved K-12 students to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). And to us, that means connecting ideas, investments, industry, and individuals to exemplary programs that inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields. For more information, please visit www.TechPointYouth.org.