Program areas at TechPoint Foundation for Youth
Stem partner program (formerly us2020) - a statewide effort to match science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (stem) professionals, to serve in the role as a mentor, volunteer, or coach, with underrepresented student populations engaging in high impact stem programs. During the 22-23 school year, 39 stem professionals assisted in the role of a mentor, volunteer or coach and served approximately 975 students at 25 classrooms throughout indianapolis.
State robotics initiative - a statewide effort to start new vex iq robotics teams in Indiana schools. Awarded schools received essential supplies and equipment and professional development to start a team for students in 1st - 12th grade. During the 2022-2023 school year, 50 teams received grants and teams were formed as a result of this effort. 1721 robotics teams ranging from elementary to high school were support and 20,652 students were exposed to robotics programming in and outside of the classroom as a result of this effort. 568 teachers served as coaches and over 200 volunteers assisted with robotics tournaments across the state. This initiative culminates with tpf4y hosting the largest vex robotics state championship in the country and supports teams who qualify for the world championship.
Hour of code - each december, tpf4y celebrates computer science education week by providing schools in Indiana with the resources they need to complete an hour of code activity. During the 22-23 school year, Indiana's hour of code culminated into a multi-day, multi-school event engaging 10,000+ students all over the state.
Vex go - during the 22-23 school year we awarded vex go grants to 53 elementary schools across the state. We purchased the vex go classroom bundle for each of the 53 schools, provided teacher training on how to use the equipment and implement the curriculum. We required each teacher to complete pre and post surveys as well as administer them to their students. We have received an overwhelming positive response to the vex go equipment and curriculum and plan to award additional schools in the following years.