Recognizing the Educators and Leaders Powering Indiana’s STEM Future

Indiana’s students don’t succeed alone—they’re guided, challenged, and inspired by educators and community leaders who open doors and spark ambition. Through the Bridge Builder Award and Teacher of the Year, we honor those making real-world STEM learning possible and impactful, especially for underserved students. Meet the champions helping shape tomorrow’s innovators.

The Bridge Builder Award

The Bridge Builder Award recognizes visionary leaders helping underserved students in Indiana access experiential learning that inspires the pursuit of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers.

Selection criteria:

  • Significantly advances STEM education in Indiana and inspires students to excel in STEM fields;

  • Uses innovative ways to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in STEM education and engaged underrepresented students;

  • Makes a quantifiable impact on students and the community, including achievements and opportunities for underrepresented individuals in STEM;

  • Inspires others to contribute to STEM education and motivates students to learn in STEM;

  • And collaborates to ensure the sustainability of STEM programs and initiatives, especially regarding civic activities related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Bridge Builder Award continues to be announced annually at the TechPoint Mira Awards Gala, with the recipient receiving a $1,000 grant award to be given to the 501c3 charity of their choice.

2025 Bridge Builder Award Winner: Chelsey Thompson

Chelsea Thompson, Principal at William Penn STEM Middle School, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Bridge Builder Award for her exceptional dedication to advancing STEM education and fostering inclusivity within her community.

Thompson has profoundly impacted her students by creating a culture of inclusivity and opportunity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education. Her efforts have prioritized opening doors to STEM learning for all students, particularly those from underrepresented communities, including BIPOC and ENL populations.

"Chelsea has been a tireless advocate for engaging underrepresented students in STEM fields," said George Giltner, President and CEO of TechPoint Youth. "She has cultivated a culture where diversity is celebrated, and equitable, high-quality STEM education is accessible to all. Her leadership has inspired countless young people to envision themselves as innovators and leaders in fields where diversity has been historically underrepresented, paving the way for a more inclusive future in STEM."

Thompson's nomination highlights her role in championing student-led culminating tasks and project-based learning initiatives at William Penn STEM Middle School, enriching student learning and addressing real-world challenges. These initiatives empower students to apply their STEM knowledge in ways that benefit the community, fostering a sense of purpose and civic responsibility.

Beyond the school walls, Thompson's impact is evident in initiatives like the first annual William Penn Culture Fair, which showcased diverse cultures within the school and fostered community connections. This event provided families with essential resources, nonprofit access, and educational and healthcare services.

"By combining academic excellence with community engagement, Principal Thompson has created a ripple effect that uplifts students and strengthens the entire community," added Giltner.

Thompson's innovative approach to STEM education has left a lasting impact on her students and the wider community, inspiring a new generation of leaders and ensuring that the future of STEM is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

Bridge Builder Award Recipients

Below is a list of our previous Bridge Builder winners:

  • 2024 - Toni Munguia

  • 2023 - Captain Ryan Lynch

  • 2022 - IUPUI School of Informatics and Computing’s Informatics Diversity Enhanced Workforce (iDEW)

  • 2021 - Professor Carlotta A. Berry

  • 2020 - The STEM Connection

  • 2019 - Stephen J. Dutton

  • 2018 - Jeffrey C. Musgrove, Jr.

  • 2017 - Mark Hill

  • 2016 - Rick Crosslin

  • 2015 - Mayor Gregory A. Ballard

  • 2014 - Robert Kizer

  • 2013 - Tarik & Maya Glenn

  • 2012 - Todd Whitlock

  • 2011 - Don Kent

  • 2010 - Dorothy Crenshaw

  • 2009 - Bill White

  • 2008 - Senator David Ford

  • 2007 - Daniel Kent

  • 2006 - Stefan Anderson

  • 2005 - Frances McCollum

  • 2004 - Community TechLink

  • 2003 - Michael Weisbard

  • 2002 - Rusty Johnson

Celebrate STEM Excellence: TechPoint Youth Teacher of the Year Awards!

Honoring Indiana's STEM Educators Who Inspire the Future

Indiana is home to exceptional educators who dedicate their time, talent, and passion to shaping the next generation of innovators, problem solvers, and leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). At TechPoint Youth (TPY), we are proud to launch the Indiana Teacher of the Year Awards to recognize and celebrate these outstanding teachers who are making a lasting impact in their classrooms and communities.

About the Award

The Indiana Teacher of the Year Awards honors educators who:

Implement creative and impactful STEM programs.

  • Foster opportunities for underrepresented students, including females, students of color, and low-income families.

  • Serve as role models, mentors, and advocates for STEM education.

These awards highlight the dedication of teachers who are committed to empowering all students to thrive in a 21st-century world.

24’ Winner & Runner Up

Winner - Lisa Haines from Smith Elementary
Runner Up - Rosa Snapp from East Washington Middle School

Why nominate a Teacher?

This award celebrates educators who:

  • Empower students to explore and excel in STEM.

  • Implement innovative teaching practices both in and outside the classroom.

  • Champion opportunities for students from priority populations, including females, students of color, and low-income families.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Location: Nominee must be an Indiana educator.

  • Participation: Teacher must have participated in a TechPoint Youth program (e.g., Hour of Code, STEM Mentors, Robotics, VEX GO, Financial Literacy) within the past three years. (Not sure? Reach out to us or check our program list.)

  • Mission Alignment: The nominee’s school or district must have a mission focused on serving priority populations.

  • Focus on STEM: The educator must demonstrate a commitment to STEM concepts or 21st-century skills in their work.

  • Recommendations: Submit at least two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the teacher’s impact (students, colleagues, administrators, parents, etc.).

Questions?

We’re here to help! If you have questions at any point during the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to jamie@techpointyouth.org.

Let’s celebrate the educators who are shaping the future of STEM! Nominate a teacher today and join us in recognizing their incredible contributions to our community.

Check out our blog for our 2024 Teacher of the Year award winner - LINK