Board of Directors 2025

Members of the Scientech Foundation's Board of Directors met on April 2, 2025 at the Broadmoor Country Club.

The Scientech Foundation has become a primary sponsor of the Center for the Performing Arts' Science of Light & Sound. The program is coordinated with the science curriculum for 4th graders. 1,137 students participated in 2024 from schools in Washington Township, Carmel, Westfield and Indianapolis and from homeshools. The Palladium’s state of the art acoustics and lighting systems provide a perfect environment to study science concepts. For example, the discussion of light includes color temperature, light reflection and visual temperature, and additive and subtractive color mixing. The discussion of sound includes a demonstration of sound waves, basic properties of sound (such as pitch, volume, frequency), how musical instruments produce sound, and how acoustics affect sound quality.

Scientech Foundation Secretary Robert Yee presents a check for $10,000 to Julia Shildmyer-Heighway, the Center's Director of Education & Community Engagement. The Foundation's sponsorship will allow the Center to expand the Science of Light & Sound program.

Scientech Foundation President Jeff Rasley presented a $10,000 check to the IAC's CEO Mark Williams to support the Center's Art & Science Summer Camp for 10-14 year olds. Campers will use computers and 3D printers in the IAC's "Scientech Foundation Maker Space" to blend art and engineering. Williams explained, "Campers will leave with their projects, including 3D-printed models, mini-robots, and unique art pieces to show off their newfound skills."

Fourth, fifth and sixth graders in Wayne Township's Chapelwood Elementary School met at least twice each week after school, over weekends and during breaks to build robots. With teacher and coach Mary Mason's guidance, the students designed and built remotely-controlled robots to compete in the VEX Robotics program. This year, the robots shot 6-inch balls through four goals and passed balls between themselves while navigating the playing field. In a regional competition, two of Chapelwood's three teams placed in the top 10 and one team won the alliance competition. The Scientech Foundation is proud to sponsor Chapelwood's teams.

Teacher and students at Stout Field Elementary receive a check from the Scientech Foundation for STEM materials. Douglas Sherow and John Rathman from the Foundation are presenting the check

As a public charity, the Scientech Foundation is committed to transparency in how we invest the funds received from our donors and the income from our investments. We will publish our tax returns as they become available.

Letter from Rod Reid & NXG Crew:

Please enjoy reading how your generosity influenced a young man's life.  This was emailed to us by the parent of one of the 2024 NXG Grand Prix Series participants:

"My son was honored to be part of the team last year, and he absolutely loved the experience. Being part of NXG has had such a positive impact on him, both on and off the track.  The program's focus on STEM education, teamwork, and life skills has been invaluable in his personal growth.  As a family, we've witnessed how much he's gained from the mentorship, discipline, and camaraderie that NXG provides, and we are truly grateful for the opportunities you create for young people."

Over the past three years, Scientech Foundation grants allowed the Indianapolis Arts Center to create a Makers Space that enables students/technologists/artists to convert their ideas into physical objects. Equipment purchased includes these 3D Printers (shown), a laser etcher/printer, various software and computers.

In 2024 the Scientech Foundation awarded the Hamilton Southeastern Schools Foundation's Fall Creek Junior High School Science Department a $8,937 grant to purchase a laser printer and ancillary equipment. Mr. Adam Jahn recently described his students' projects.

"[My] technology and engineering class has been using the new larger laser for some cool and engaging projects.  They are exploring the idea of vectors and layering in digital space.  The new laser has allowed students to personalize their larger wooden projects and etch sketchings on metal.  We helped our staff create name plates for end of year recognitions and customized our school's basketballs and footballs with identification.  The students and teacher had a short learning curve with the new laser and look forward to many more projects in the future.  Thanks again for providing funding for state of the art technology."

Fall Creek Junior High

Joe Abella recently presented this year's grant of $10,000 to Assistant Professor Mary Gobbett. The funding provided by the Foundation helps support UIndy Science and Engineering Students who work with Abraham Lincoln Elementary School in Perry Township. The focus is on reading and math skills.