INDIANAPOLIS — Infosys Foundation USA, a non-profit organization focused on bridging the digital divide in America, today announced a $200,000 investment to support Hoosiers in their pursuit of upskilling for tech careers. The funding will be awarded to the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) Foundation to support TechPoint, Indiana’s industry-led growth initiative for the state’s tech ecosystem, as well as partners Nextech and Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), to expand proven programming statewide and to implement new tech-career programs in central Indiana.
“The Foundation has a strong history in Indiana, having launched our signature K-12 computer science teacher-focused Pathfinders Institute at Indiana University Bloomington in 2018. We’re thrilled to now reflect our expanded mission to digitally upskill the future workforce through our partnership with TechPoint, focused on advancing the Mission41K initiative,” said Kate Maloney, Executive Director, Infosys Foundation USA. “There are few sure bets in the world, but an investment in the education of Hoosiers is one we’re confident will yield invaluable results for Indiana.”
The Foundation’s support is designed to help achieve TechPoint’s Mission 41K initiative, which aims to add 41,000 Hoosiers to the state’s workforce by 2030 and will benefit not only K-12 teachers and students, but also reach learners post-high school who seek relevant digital skills.
“Mission41K’s success will require new, sustainable pathways from high school to career readiness, as well as significantly scalable adult apprenticeship pathways into tech-related careers,” said Ting Gootee, TechPoint President and CEO. “This funding will help us move from design to execution for new programming and to expand Nextech’s proven training program, and we are grateful for it.”
The Foundation-supported grant is designed to reach K-12 educators to adult learners. The funding will enable the training of 30 computer science and information technology teachers selected from across Indiana, addressing the shortage of trained teachers in tech pathways.
Nextech President Karen Jung emphasized the critical need for more trained teachers in tech education. “Hoosier students are just as interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) courses that are important pathways to tech careers, but the state simply doesn’t have enough STEM-certified teachers to keep students engaged. This is a critical need that we’re thrilled to fill and are greatly encouraged by this support.”
The grant will also strategically leverage the Foundation’s Infosys Springboard USA digital learning platforms for IPS high school students and their educators district-wide – aiming to double participation in tech career pathways over the next two to three years.
Acknowledging the support from Infosys Foundation USA, Jennifer Berry, CTE Pathway Director for IPS expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities this initiative will create for students to engage with successful tech careers. “Getting training is one thing, yet gaining a glimpse into the tech industry and engaging with people who are already in successful tech careers is huge. I foresee waiting lists to take part in these opportunities.”
The Foundation’s support will further extend to adult apprenticeships, providing preparation and access to technology skills for Hoosiers, especially those in underserved rural areas. The funding will help lower the cost of upskilling, enriched by access to over 8,000 course offerings in the latest technology trends and professional skills within the Infosys Springboard USA Digital Academy.
Overall, nearly 5,000 Hoosiers are expected to benefit from this Infosys Foundation USA-funded programing, with a focus on increasing participation from historically underrepresented populations. The efforts align with TechPoint’s commitment to building a larger tech workforce inclusively, from K-12 through adult learners, ultimately impacting Indiana’s digital innovation economy and tech ecosystem.
About TechPoint: TechPoint, part of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, is the industry-led growth initiative for Indiana’s digital innovation economy and overall tech ecosystem. The team is focused on working with public, private and industry partners to expand tech talent pipeline, enhance resource connectivity for enterprise organizations and startups alike, and elevate the industry by activating the community and amplifying stories of success. For more information, please visit www.techpoint.org.
About Infosys Foundation USA: The Foundation’s mission is to expand access to computer science and maker education for K-12+ students and educators across the USA, while working to upskill all learners for 21st century technology-enabled opportunities. The Foundation achieves impact through the delivery of professional development programs for educators; partnerships with leading nonprofits that reach the most underrepresented; innovative media campaigns and awards that inspire everyone to be creators, not just consumers, of technology and the Infosys Springboard USA digital learning platforms offering the latest technology trends and professional upskilling to all learners. For more information, visit infosys.org/USA.
About Nextech: Nextech works to create equitable access to computer science curriculum and experiences for all K-12 Indiana students.
About IPS: The Indianapolis Public Schools district is an agile, innovative educational organization committed to academic excellence built through individualized, relationship-based learning serving more than 30,000 students. District educators and team members empower students to think critically, creatively and responsibly, to embrace diversity and pursue their dreams with purpose.