TechPoint Foundation for Youth today announced a grant from Salesforce.org, the philanthropic arm of Salesforce, that will support science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programming for students typically underrepresented in today’s STEM fields.
As the leader in technology education efforts for Indiana since 2001, TechPoint Foundation for Youth (TPF4Y) is committed to inspiring the state’s K-12 students to explore STEM fields, with a focus on diversifying the STEM workforce pipeline through targeted outreach to underrepresented student populations. Three initiatives are currently managed by the foundation, including the City of Indianapolis’ US2020 program, CoderDojo Indiana, and the State Robotics Initiative. The Salesforce.org grant will support both the US2020 program and the CoderDojo Indiana initiative.
“Our goal is to help nonprofits and educational institutions better serve their communities and deliver on their mission,” said Ebony Frelix, SVP of Philanthropy & Engagement at Salesforce.org. “By supporting TechPoint Foundation for Youth’s exciting STEM initiatives, we hope to accelerate change and create a better tomorrow for the next generation.”
US2020, a national movement focused on increasing the number of STEM professionals serving as mentors, hosted its inaugural city competition in 2013 and announced Indianapolis as one of seven winning cities from among 52 applicants across the country. TPF4Y is the coalition lead for the City of Indianapolis and, with the support of more than 50 corporate and community partners, has connected over 1,500 students to more than 7,700 hours of hands-on STEM programs during the first 2.5 years of the initiative.
The most popular of Indianapolis’ US2020 programs, CoderDojo, is a coding club that allows students to explore the world of computer science (CS) through hands-on activities, games, and self-led projects. In June 2016, TPF4Y launched CoderDojo Indiana, in partnership with the CoderDojo Foundation, to increase access to free CS education for Hoosier students. On July 22, 2017, CoderDojo Indiana will host its inaugural Hackathon, inviting all of its Indianapolis student “ninjas,” as well as attendees from 19 additional CoderDojos throughout the state of Indiana, to participate in a daylong event filled with fun, competitive CS projects.
“Salesforce.org’s commitment to philanthropy and the Pledge 1% program is inspiring,” said Laura Dodds, Executive Director of TechPoint Foundation for Youth. “We are thrilled to put their investment to work for thousands of K-12 students.”
TPF4Y welcomes the support of additional volunteers interested in facilitating CoderDojo clubs as well as other STEM programs like robotics teams and science clubs. If you or your company are interested in making a positive impact on students in your community, contact Volunteer@TechPointYouth.org for more information.
About TechPoint Foundation For Youth
In its 16th year as the leader in technology education efforts for the state of Indiana, TechPoint Foundation for Youth is committed to providing our state’s K-12 students, especially those typically underrepresented in STEM industry, with equal opportunities to explore hands-on STEM learning opportunities. We believe that Indiana’s youth should be not only equipped to address the growing demand for a skilled STEM workforce, but also be inspired to do so. We have been, and continue to be, the leader in connecting youth serving organizations, STEM programs, and STEM industry for the benefit of Indiana’s student populations. We are Growing Indiana’s Future. Visit www.TechPointYouth.org for more information.
About Salesforce.org
Salesforce.org is a nonprofit social enterprise with a mission to empower its community of stakeholders to accelerate impact in a whole new way. It impacts thousands of organizations and the millions of people they serve by delivering the world’s best nonprofit and educational technology solutions at affordable rates. It also inspires employee giving by matching their donations and driving volunteer engagement in the community. And it leverages a unique self-sustaining model to generously re-invest the revenue generated back into the community through strategic grants focused on education and workforce development.
Since 1999, Salesforce technology has powered more than 31,000 nonprofit and education institutions; Salesforce and its philanthropic entities have provided more than $160 million in grants; and Salesforce employees have logged more than 2 million volunteer hours around the world.
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