NDIANAPOLIS (February 26, 2025) — TechPoint Youth and TechPoint today announced Chelsey Thompson, who serves as Principal at William Penn STEM Middle School in Indianapolis as the 2025 Bridge Builder Award winner. 
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Thompson was credited with “profoundly” impacting her students by fostering a culture of inclusivity and opportunity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education and for prioritizing opening doors to STEM learning for all students, particularly those from under represented communities, including BIPOC and ENL populations.  

“Chelsey has been a tireless advocate for engaging students who are underrepresented in STEM fields,” said TechPoint Youth President and CEO George Giltner. “She has cultivated a culture where diversity is celebrated and an accessible high-quality STEM education is a priority. Her efforts have inspired countless young people to see themselves as innovators and leaders in fields where they have historically been underrepresented, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in STEM.” 

Further evidence of Thompson’s impact is the fact that William Penn STEM Middle School is a finalist this year for the Mira Talent Impact Award, he said. The winner of that award will be announced at the gala later this week. 

Thompson’s nomination referenced how, at her school of about 370 students, she has championed student-led culminating tasks and project-based learning initiatives that enrich student learning and address real world challenges. These projects empower students to apply their STEM knowledge in ways that benefit the community, fostering a sense of purpose and civic responsibility. 

Her impact extends beyond the school walls, as seen in the student-led culminating tasks where an entire grade level collaborates across subject areas to identify and solve a problem. Recently, students hosted the first annual William Penn Culture Fair, which highlighted diverse cultures within the school and served as a bridge to its broader community. This event connected families with essential resources, nonprofits, and access to educational services and healthcare.  

“By combining academic excellence with community engagement, Principal Thompson has created a ripple effect that uplifts students and strengthens the entire community,” Giltner said. 

The gala is Thursday, February 27, at the Palladium at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. The Mira Awards program recognizes excellence and innovation in 20 award categories highlighting organizations and individuals representing the best and brightest innovators across the state. Innovators in technology, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and logistics, agbioscience and academia for product and service innovations as well as those involved in developing the tech workforce, will be celebrated.  

About TechPoint Youth: TechPoint Youth is the leader in STEM education efforts for the state of Indiana and has been inspiring students through STEM programming since 2001. The organization ensures Indiana’s underserved and underrepresented K-12 students have access to experiential learning opportunities that increase STEM knowledge and inspire STEM career exploration.   

About TechPoint: TechPoint, is the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership’s branded initiative for Indiana’s digital innovation economy and overall tech ecosystem. The industry-led 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.