The Indianapolis-based non-profit will share the progress of its TEACH Initiative and exciting new partnership during annual gala

TechPoint Foundation for Youth (TPF4Y) will announce its latest fundraising campaign in support of digital equity at TechPoint’s 22nd annual Mira Awards gala on April 22nd, honoring the best of tech in Indiana. 

The Indianapolis Colts recently committed to kickstarting TPF4Y’s fundraising efforts for the Mira Awards with an NFL Foundation Digital Divide Grant. The grant provides $30,000 per NFL Club to earmark for work with local nonprofits helping bridge the digital divide in their communities.

“The digital divide has been a serious obstacle to many underserved people for some time now, but the pandemic has only exacerbated this gap, especially among our students and youth,” said Kalen Jackson, Colts Vice Chair & Owner. “Our community has a long way to go to ensure access to technology for all Indiana students, but this effort with TechPoint Foundation for Youth will push us in the right direction toward a more equitable future.”

The NFL Foundation and the Indianapolis Colts will join the Herbert Simon Family Foundation in providing early funding to launch TPF4Y’s TEACH (Technology Education Access Comes Home) Initiative, which provides high-need youth across the state with computers and internet access that are essential for successful virtual learning.

“Over the last year, studies have revealed as many as 100,000 Indiana students don’t have a computer or internet access at home,” said TPF4Y President and CEO George Giltner. “Our team knew we had to provide an immediate response to help make digital equity a reality for Indiana students.”

With a goal of serving 5,000 students by the end of 2022, fundraising efforts for the TEACH Initiative began in December. The team is in the process of delivering the first 400 devices across the state and expects to provide more than 100 additional devices through their new partnership with the Indianapolis Colts.

“We have a system in place to identify the schools and students most in need, to purchase and deliver the equipment, and to gather impactful data,” said Director of Programs and former K-12 teacher, Jamie Inskeep. “We simply need the financial support to make it a reality.”

At the Mira Awards gala, TPF4Y will report on the organization’s student impact and call on the audience to support digital equity by making a donation to the TEACH Initiative. Those interested in supporting TPF4Y in their efforts may visit their donation page here: bit.ly/MIRAgives21

“TechPoint Foundation for Youth is supported through donations from individuals and community partners, and also relies on the annual Mira Awards gala donation ask to help raise awareness and funding to address immediate needs for students. We are actively seeking support to bring the TEACH Initiative to scale and reach our goal of ensuring every Indiana student has an equal opportunity for educational success.” said President and CEO George Giltner. 

About TechPoint Foundation for YouthTechPoint Foundation for Youth is the leader in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education efforts for the state of Indiana, and has been inspiring students through STEM programming since 2001. The Foundation ensures Indiana’s underserved, K-12 students have access to experiential learning opportunities that increase STEM knowledge and inspire STEM career exploration. Learn more here: https://www.techpointyouth.org/