Earlham College 2023 Summer STEM Camp

Earlham College offered two, 6-day consecutive sessions called the Earlham Summer STEM Camp. The camps were pre-college, residential experiences for Indiana residents who are rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

The Scientech Foundation’s $10,000 grant funding awarded scholarship dollars to twenty-two students, nearly half of all the STEM campers, who otherwise might not have been able to attend the camp. Also, this group consisted of a diverse group of students.

Earlham Summer STEM coursework included:

• Environmental chemistry, led by Dr. Kalani Seu, Associate Professor of Chemistry. Along with other relevant topics, this course introduced students to experimental design and implementation (utilizing the scientific method) as well as analyzing and interpreting data.

• Computer programming, led by Dr. David Barbella, Assistant Professor of Computer Science. In this course, students explored introductory programming concepts and game development concepts using Unity, a professional game development environment.

There were specific learning objectives for each course. Post-course assessments showed that 95% of all the participants who completed the week demonstrated advancement of their knowledge about their curricular focus (100% of students receiving Scientech Foundation scholarship monies advanced and passed their coursework).

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."

Source: Jill Nelson, Associate Director of Summer Programs, Earlham College. 

Our board member, Jeff Rasley, had the amazing opportunity to join a podcast recently. During the conversation, we touched upon various topics, including the purpose and mission of The Scientech Foundation. Additionally, we highlight the remarkable humanitarian efforts of VP Benny Ko, who actively volunteers to support Ukraine refugees. His compassionate approach to medicine serves as an inspiring example for us all.

On Thursday, August 10th, 2023, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb joined Marian University leaders, esteemed community and business figures, students, faculty, and distinguished guests in celebrating the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the brand-new E. S. Witchger School of Engineering Center. Represented by board members Joe Abella, Benny Ko, Jeff Rasley, and Rick Whitener, the Scientech Foundation of Indiana graciously awarded grants to Marian University in support of the Summer Engineering Camp for Indiana's young minds.

For more information about the event and Marian University’s new E. S. Witchger School of Engineering Center. Click Here

Four-week engineering camp for underrepresented students at UIndy.

Eureka! Stats, Year One

1. Full cohort of 30 students participated for four weeks during the summer and 10 days during the school year
   1. Over 250 hours of programming
2. 100% of Eurekans on track to graduate high school or obtain a GED. 
3. 90% of Eurekans aspire to pursue a STEM career.
4. 90% of Eurekans participate in leadership and volunteer activities.

With Scientech's investment, Girls Inc.'s Eureka! Program was able to secure funding to support a 2nd cohort of girls in the summer of 2020. Thank you for helping us support girls in STEM!

In 2022 and 2023 the Scientech Foundation generously awarded grants to the VEX Robotic Team 1024. The Team members are girls and boys from Lawrence Township schools. They elect to develop computer, math, and engineering skills during after-school sessions under the guidance of Tom Wilson and Andy Ratermann. The Scientech grants allowed the Team to purchase equipment to construct and control the robots. The students competed successfully in local contests in which other teams from other townships and neighboring counties took part. The pictures below show how some of this investment was used.

The Foundation Supported The Innovation Through Engineering residential summer camp at Marian University.

The STEM Connection is one of our Scientech Foundation grant recipients.It runs day camps, week-long summer camps, field trips, and training for future STEM leaders. Most of the participants are aged between kindergarteners to the 5th Grade while leadership training candidates are between 6th and 9th grades. 60% of the participants come from underserved communities and fee discounts are offered to those that qualify. Other resources such as free library access, STEM family kits, and STEM professional development are also made available to educators, youth workers, and families.

The campus of the STEM Connection is located on a beautiful farm and woodland at 8407, Moore Rd., Indianapolis. The original sponsor of this grant is our Scientech member and former foundation board member Helmi Banta. Currently, Benny Ko succeeded her as the sponsor.

Every summer, the Wells Center Summer Internship Program empowers college students to engage in cutting-edge medical research. These young minds delve into the realms of cancer, diabetes, infectious diseases, immune disorders, genetics, and more, utilizing a wide range of modern laboratory techniques, including the revolutionary CRISPR technology. The Scientech Foundation has consistently provided invaluable support to numerous interns throughout the years. This impactful initiative operates in collaboration with the IU School of Medicine, Riley Hospital, and numerous esteemed research labs. The generous grant amount for this program is a total of $7,000.

Stout Field Elementary STEM Foundation grant

Thanks to the generous donations received in 2020, the Scientech Foundation made significant strides in transforming STEM education in Central Indiana. The enthusiasm expressed by these fifth-grade students is impressive. They really are having fun. In this short clip, you can see the robotic table unfolding and views of the 3D printers and carts. These are some of the items purchased by the school with the Foundation grant.