2024 Indiana Robotics State Championship Returns to Lucas Oil Stadium March 23
300+ Students from schools across Indiana will compete at event, which is open to the public
INDIANAPOLIS – February 1, 2024 – TechPoint Foundation for Youth (TPF4Y), the leader in K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education efforts for the state of Indiana, will bring the Indiana Robotics State Championship, powered by Group 1001, back to Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday, March 23, 2024.
The event is the largest robotics state championship in the country and will lead hundreds of Hoosier robotics students to the largest robotics championship in the world.
Over 1,600 students from 318 Indiana teams will compete at the state level in robotics. They'll use plastic or metal VEX robots they built to complete challenges and demonstrate their skills to try and earn their way to the VEX World Championship, to be held in Dallas.
The competition is free and the public is encouraged to attend. Donations will be accepted at the entrance, and TPF4Y hopes to generate $10,000 during the competition. All donations go directly to supporting Indiana schools that want to bring STEM education opportunities to their communities. Individuals or businesses interested in supporting these efforts are welcome to make a single or group donation in person at the event or by visiting bit.ly/SupportTPF4Y.
“K-12 STEM programs, particularly robotics, develop more than just knowledge,” says TPF4Y President and CEO George Giltner. “TPF4Y's programs aim to promote diversity in the sport by encouraging underrepresented children to participate, resulting in a range of ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds.”
“Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts, is the perfect venue for our event. It highlights that robotics, just like athletics, is celebrated in Indiana on a grand scale. Qualifying for the State Robotics Championship is a significant achievement. Students from various backgrounds compete, broaden their perspectives, and develop teamwork and confidence-building skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.”
Indiana has the highest number of Elementary and Middle schools with robotics programs in the United States. TPF4Y’s programs, including the State Robotics Initiative and Championship, are made possible through partnerships and support from: Group 1001, Indy Women in Tech, Indiana Department of Education, Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, Inc., Herbert Simon Family Foundation, Glick Fund, Sallie Mae, Purdue University, Cook Medical and others.
"Our support for TechPoint Foundation for Youth reflects our unwavering commitment to their efforts to empower young girls and underrepresented students to excel in STEM subjects," said Karen Maginn, president of Clear Spring Marketing (a Group 1001 company) and Indy Women in Tech chair. "These experiences will make a long-lasting and profound impact on their future success."
"The impact that TechPoint Foundation for Youth is having on students is profound – especially for empowering girls and underrepresented demographics in STEM. This is creating opportunities for individuals, elevating entire communities, and building a more inclusive future where STEM is accessible to all," said Kate Maxwell, Tech Executive and TPF4Y Board Member. "As a Computer Scientist myself, I know first-hand how important it is for students to see themselves in STEM as early as possible. TechPoint Foundation for Youth is showing these kids that anything is possible, and that they belong here."
The general public is encouraged to attend this event. To register, visit the Eventbrite page.
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About the State Robotics Initiative, a TPF4Y program
The State Robotics Initiative was developed by TPF4Y to provide hands-on, STEM learning experiences to Indiana students through an economical, entry-level robotics platform proven to engage diverse student populations in comprehensive STEM subject matter and spur student interest in STEM college and career pathways. The program was developed in 2016 as a statewide expansion of the City of Indianapolis robotics grant program, a legacy of former Mayor Greg Ballard. This Initiative has made Indiana the leading state in elementary and middle school robotics teams, serving students in all 92 counties of the state and culminating in the country's largest robotics state championship held at Lucas Oil Stadium. For more information, please visit www.techpointyouth.org/robots.
About TechPoint Foundation for Youth
As the leader in technology education efforts for the state of Indiana since 2001, TPF4Y is committed to inspiring Indiana’s underserved K-12 students to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). That means connecting ideas, investments, industry, and individuals to exemplary programs that inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields.
For more, visit www.techpointyouth.org, Like TechPointYouth on Facebook, or follow @techpointyouth on Instagram.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sara Croft
317-224-4897
s@fivefour.partners