Recognizing educators, organizations, and programs that inspire and open doors for learners of all ages in ways that supply the future workforce and create economic opportunity for Hoosiers

Now more than ever before, learning is happening beyond the classroom. Education doesn’t end when the bell rings or class is dismissed anymore; educators are sharing knowledge, resources, and wisdom in and outside of the classroom that helps to shape future talent and foster curiosity. 

The Tech Education Award recognizes educators, organizations, and programs that inspire and open doors for learners of all ages in ways that supply the tech talent pipeline and create economic opportunity for Hoosiers. These leaders respond to the needs of students, with special attention to opportunities for underrepresented groups, and have an undeniably positive impact on student achievement and the future workforce.

STEM is now a pathway to the future. As more and more jobs are created in the field, there is a constant need for mentors, facilitators and guides to foster a healthy curiosity of STEM that can lead to future careers. Our nominees, which include college professors, programs, and organizations, are ensuring that students have access to resources and instruction they need as well as a high level of attentiveness and care when nurturing future tech talent. 

The 2021 Tech Education Award winner, Ivy Tech Community College’s ITS Team, continued the tradition of excellence and achievement for the statewide community college network. This was the second time in three years that a unique program from Ivy Tech has been nominated and won. Their investment into tech education exemplifies their commitment to the tech community and future tech talent. We are excited to see how they will pioneer tech education opportunities in the future.  

This year’s list of stunning innovators includes: 

  • FIRST Indiana Robotics (Fishers, Ind.) — FIRST believes our future’s built better together & improving the world starts with our youth. As a STEM-based mentoring program, this robotics community prepares young people for life—#MoreThanRobots.
  • Five Star Technology Solutions (Jeffersonville, Ind.)— Five Star Technology Solutions revolutionized the way K-12 school leaders can visualize & leverage their data to impact student learning positively.
  • Franklin College (Franklin, Ind.) — The mission of the digital fluency initiative at Franklin College is to develop leaders in the modern economy through the combination of a strong liberal arts education and next-level digital skills.
  • Ivy Tech Community College (Indianapolis, Ind.) — We serve the people of our state through accessible and affordable world-class education and adaptive learning. We empower our students to achieve their career and transfer aspirations. We embrace our vision of economic transformation inspired by the education and earnings attainment of our citizens, the vitality of our workforce, and the prosperity of our unique and diverse communities.
  • Jake Simons, Wa-Nee Community Schools (Nappannee, Ind.)— What started as one team of 10 students, Jake Simons, founder and Director of Robotics for Wa-Nee Community Schools, now serves 15 teams, 100+ students, and mentors dozens of coaches around the globe.
  • Skyepack (West Lafayette, Ind.) — Skyepack improves access to post-secondary education by designing, building, and delivering learning experiences that are more affordable, engaging, and effective. 
  • Verizon (Indianapolis, Ind.) — Verizon Innovative Learning empowers students and teachers by providing free internet access and next-gen technology-infused lessons to deliver a new way of learning in school or at home.

“The Mira Awards gala is not only the biggest tech event in the state, it’s also the barometer of Indiana’s tech industry growth, strength, and dynamism,” said Mike Langellier, president and CEO of TechPoint. “The robustness of this year’s class of nominees bodes well for our tech community’s future, and we’re excited to finally, hopefully, celebrate together in person after two years of remote galas during the pandemic.” 

The 2022 Mira Award winners will be announced during TechPoint’s in-person gala at the JW Marriot on Saturday, April 23, with presenting sponsor Salesforce. This will be the first in-person gala held since 2019, before the COVID pandemic. A limited number of sponsorships are available for purchase until March 25.

Get more information about the 2022 Mira Awards and join us on April 23 for the unveiling of the “Best of Tech” Mira Award winner for the Tech Education Award!