INDIANAPOLIS, IN, (December 5, 2024) – Nextech, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit dedicated to creating equitable access to computer science (CS) curriculum and experiences for all K-12 Indiana students, announces three winners for the annual Nextech CSforGood Competition. This competition, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) and Infosys Foundation USA, invites all K-12 students statewide to use their imagination and creativity to design a solution to a problem using computer science (such as an app, website or physical computing device) in their school or local community.

The following group members are receiving up to $1000 worth of tech prizes for winning their division:

● Elementary School Division Winner
○ School and Sponsoring Educator: Clarks Creek Elementary, Erin Bangel
○ Team Members: Finn H., Kyra N., Benjamin B.
○ Winning Project: Class Check Location App

● Middle School Division Winner
○ School and Sponsoring Educator: Cold Spring School, Genevieve McLeish-Petty
○ Team Members: Emma L., Caitlin S., Malak S., Edith W.
○ Winning Project: Smart Home for the Elderly

● High School Division Winner
○ School and Sponsoring Educator: Castle High School, Derik Smith
○ Team Members: Nick B., Rex I., Ivan P., Jack R., Andrew S., Griffin W.
○ Winning Project: Indiana Box Two Tracking Solution

“In order for our students to succeed in an ever-evolving, technology-driven world, we must ensure every child has access to high-quality computer science education,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “The CSforGood student finalists displayed incredible problem-solving skills as they worked toward solutions for challenges impacting their local communities, from helping connect people to employment opportunities to helping the elderly stay in their homes longer. With these future innovators leading the way, Indiana's future is bright.”

“This year’s CSforGood Competition showcased incredibly creative and innovative projects from K-12 students across Indiana. It is truly inspiring to see how these students utilized collaboration, problem solving skills and what they’ve learned in their CS classes to create a solution to an issue in their community. Infosys Foundation USA is proud to sponsor events like this and work with nonprofits improving access to quality CS and maker education," said Kate Maloney, Executive Director, Infosys Foundation USA

According to Nextech President Karen Jung, “The CSforGood competition embodies Nextech’s mission to empower students to use technology as a force for positive change in their communities. By challenging students to solve real-world problems through innovation and collaboration, we’re not only equipping them with critical skills for the future but also inspiring them to see how their ideas and efforts can make a meaningful impact.”

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About Nextech
Launched in 2015, Nextech, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is dedicated to creating equitable access to computer science curriculum and experiences for all K-12 Indiana students to help each student unleash their potential to thrive in a digital economy. Nextech is a supporting organization of the Central Indiana Community Foundation. For more information visit: www.nextech.org.

About Infosys Foundation USA
Infosys Foundation USA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to computer science and maker education for K-12 students and educators across the USA, while working to digitally upskill all learners for 21st century technology-enabled opportunities. This is achieved through the delivery of professional development programs for teachers, K16 digital skills learning platforms, partnerships with leading nonprofits, and innovative media campaigns that inspire everyone to be creators, not just consumers, of technology.