Supporting STEM Education in Indiana

The Scientech Foundation awarded grants to Lawrence Township’s VEX Robotics Team in 2022 and 2023.

“VEX Robotics consists of over 11,000 school-aged teams in over 50 countries. Team 1024 has been an after-school robotics activity for Lawrence Township High Schools since 2005…Robotics has been a ‘launching pad’ to STEM careers for many Lawrence Township students. Robotics helps students gain self-confidence while applying, reinforcing and expanding their STEM knowledge. Robotics also develops communication skills and the ability to constructively share, evaluate, choose and implement ideas within a team.”

— Thomas Wilson; VEX Team 1024 Coach

When asked about their favorite experience at the STEM camp, students said:

"The class was my favorite experience. I enjoyed learning more about the chemistry of water, and doing labs was so fun."

"I really enjoyed the coursework and it fit well with how I learn things, as well as the professor and my classmates being open to communicate and interact, and classmates being open to support and talk to each other in the class setting."

— Earlham College 2023 Summer STEM Camp

In 2023 the Scientech Foundation awarded $10,000 to the Grand Universe Space Science Institute in Westfield, Indiana, to develop the Galileo Environmental STEM program. Grand Universe and Purdue University collaborated to create classroom virtual learning and student powered research.

“The main focus of Galileo E-STEM is to help Indiana middle school and high school students understand our planet to benefit humankind and to inspire them to pursue careers in science and technology. This will help the state of Indiana take a national leadership role in STEM education and help curb Indiana’s ‘STEM Deficit’ by administering important and useful STEM educational programming.”

— Greg McCauley
President/CEO Grand Universe