Women & Hi Tech Celebrates 25th Anniversary, Announces 2024 Leading Light Award & Scholarship Recipients

Women & Hi Tech celebrated its 25th anniversary by recognizing over 175 incredible scholarship and award nominees on Oct. 3, 2024, at the Leading Light Awards & Scholarship Gala. Over 600 attendees gathered at the Indiana Roof Ballroom to celebrate these diverse women of excellence and male allies in Indiana’s STEM community.

During the program, emceed by Becky Fouard, Director of US Farm Animal Sales Enablement for Elanco, Women & Hi Tech announced over $60,000 in scholarships and grants to diverse women and girls at all stages of their science, technology, engineering and math careers and recognized 10 Leading Light Award recipients.

“To drive meaningful change and shape the future of Indiana’s STEM landscape, we must unite innovators, educators, and industry leaders with a shared vision,” said Women & Hi Tech President Tiffany Trusty. “Women & Hi Tech is dedicated to fostering a community where young girls are empowered to explore STEM careers through mentorship, hands-on experience, and role models who showcase the endless opportunities available to them.”

Women & Hi Tech is especially honored to share the announcement of the 2024 award and scholarship recipients. Below are the categories and winners.

Leading Light Award Winners 

Change the Landscape Award Winner

• Linda Calvin, Chief Impact Officer, Reboot Representation.

Outstanding Achievement in STEM Award Winner

• Poonam Gill, Operations Support Instructional Designer, MISO.

Outstanding Educator in STEM Award Winner

• Joanna Millunchick, Dean, IU Luddy School of Informatics and College of Engineering.

You Inspire Us! Award Winner

• Anushree M Bag, AVP, Cybersecurity GRC, Eli Lilly.

Rising Star Award Winner

• Yamini Krishnan, Process Development Engineer, Corteva.

Risk Taker Award Winner

• Belgin Canturk, Research Scientist, Corteva.

Leadership Award Winner

• Rupal Thanawala, CEO/President, Trident Systems.

Mentor Me! Award Winner

• Tonya Wallace, Director, Solution Delivery | CEO Gideon VI, Cox Automotive.

OperationAll™ Male Ally Award Winner

• Mike Hineline, Chief Executive Officer, Make Ripples LLC.

Equity and Inclusion Champion Award Winner

• Lauren Clark, Six Sigma Black Belt, Information Technology, Corteva.

Leading Light Award Scholarship Recipients 

Women & Hi Tech Graduate Scholarship Recipient

• Hannah Beaven, Doctor of Medicine (MD), Indiana University - Indianapolis.

Women & Hi Tech Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient

• Pushpita Saha, Computer Science, DePauw University.

Women & Hi Tech High School Senior Scholarship Recipient

• Arianna Magallanes, Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University.

Women & Hi Tech Rare Nickel Scholarship Recipient

• Mercy Orukpe Moses, Biological Sciences (Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Disease), Purdue University.

Women & Hi Tech Professional Development Grant Recipient

• Amber Clarke, Organizational Change Manager, Simplus.

#InThisTogether Scholarship Recipient

• Allie Hopkins, Professional Flight, Purdue University.

SIM Indy Graduate Scholarship Recipient

• Amulya Veldandi, MS in Health Informatics, Indiana University - Indianapolis.

SIM Indy Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient

• Payton Seay, Computer Science and Software Engineering, Franklin College.

Barnes & Thornburg LLP Corporate or Patent Law Scholarship Recipient

• Yirong Shen, JD & MS in Cybersecurity and Risk Management, Indiana University Maurer School of Law.

Girl Scouts of Central Indiana Scholarship Recipient

• Madison Akridge, Professional Flight Technology, Purdue University.

Jo Basey Spirit Scholarship Recipient 

• Mikaili Commissiong, Information Systems, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship & Corporate Innovation, Indiana University - Bloomington.

Sallie Mae Scholarship Recipient

• Camille Zoe, Psychology, Butler University.

Central Indiana ISACA Scholarship Recipient

• Cassandra Eich, Cybersecurity, Purdue University.

TechPoint Professional Development Grant Recipient

• Celia Navarro, Jr Project Manager, Iron Bow Technologies.

Bell Techlogix Scholarship Recipient

• Isha Mannan, Biomedical Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

Ivy Tech Community College Scholarship Recipient

• Perla Cornejo, Nursing, Ivy Tech Community College - Lawrence.

RB Consulting & Vita Nova Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient

• Rebecca Hoff, Biochemistry, Butler University.

Professional Management Enterprises Scholarship Recipient

• Adesola Raji, Biochemistry, Purdue University.

Professional Management Enterprises Scholarship Recipient

• Emma Parsons, Biomedical Health Sciences, Purdue University.

Career Circle Professional Development Grant Recipient

• Andrea Parker, Business Analyst, Managed Health Services.
  
  

Women & Hi Tech would like to express gratitude to all of the annual sponsors as well as the Leading Light Awards, Scholarship and Grant Sponsors. We would like to thank our Platinum Sponsor and the Leading Light Awards Signature Sponsor Eli Lilly & Co as well as all of our community partners who provide incredible continued support of Women & Hi Tech’s mission and made our gala possible.

To learn more, visit womenandhitech.org/2024-Leading-Light-Awards.

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About Women & Hi Tech
Women & Hi Tech exists to change the landscape of women represented in STEM to be equally inclusive to all. To achieve our goal, we work to connect female STEM professionals with each other and our community in Indiana. Our members and sponsors represent a wide array of STEM fields, including life sciences, accounting, engineering, psychology, statistics, and information technology. They work as engineers, analysts, scientists, business developers, marketers, educators, and more.

Media Contact: Colton Howard, colton@dittoepr.com, 317-518-5553

Women & Hi Tech
133 West Market Street, #220
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2801
WHTInfo@womenandhitech.org 

      

2024 Leading Light Awards and Scholarship Gala

Nominations are Open!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Indianapolis, IN (January 15, 2024)

On October 3rd, 2024, Women & Hi Tech will host its signature biennial event, the Leading Light Awards and Scholarship Gala (LLAs) at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis, IN. During this gala, at least $50,000 in scholarships and grants will be awarded to female-identifying students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) degrees at Indiana colleges and universities. Additionally, 10 outstanding STEM professionals will be recognized across a diverse array of award categories. Scholarship applications and award nominations for this prestigious opportunity are open now!

This year’s LLAs mark Women & Hi Tech’s Silver Jubilee. 25 years ago, the founders of Women & Hi Tech planted a seed to elevate Indiana’s women working or studying in STEM.

“Women & Hi Tech is looking forward to a monumental 2024 Leading Light Awards and Scholarship Gala (LLAs), as we celebrate an important milestone for our organization, our 25^th Anniversary,” said Women & Hi Tech President Joy Neely. “We will take time to reflect on the significant progress made in STEM over the past two-plus decades and celebrate the recent achievements of STEM talent in Central Indiana.”

Women & Hi Tech invites qualified parties across Indiana to submit scholarship applications and award nominations until July 1, 2024. Candidates will be evaluated by an independent panel of professionals from across STEM industries and backgrounds.

From high school seniors entering a STEM degree program to women who blaze trails in their careers, the Leading Light Awards has something to offer for all. With an expected attendance of 700 guests, this event is an outstanding opportunity for sponsoring organizations to grow brand recognition as Indiana STEM trailblazers, meet and connect with the Indiana STEM community, and celebrate and inspire employees, clients, and customers.

To make nominations and for information on sponsorship opportunities for the 2024 Leading Light Awards, visit https://womenandhitech.org/2024-Leading-Light-Awards/

About Women & Hi Tech:

Women & Hi Tech exists to change the landscape of women represented in STEM to be equally inclusive to all. To achieve our goal, we work to connect female STEM professionals with each other and our community in Indiana.  Our members and sponsors represent a wide array of STEM fields, including life sciences, accounting, engineering, psychology, statistics, and information technology. They work as engineers, analysts, scientists, business developers, marketers, educators, and more.

Contact
To learn more about Women & Hi Tech, please contact
Women & Hi Tech
133 West Market Street, #220
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2801
WHTInfo@womenandhitech.org

 

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Founded in 1999 in Indianapolis by a female scientist from Eli Lilly and Company and a female academician from Indiana University, Women & Hi Tech exists to change the landscape of women represented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) to be equally inclusive to all. To achieve our goal, we work to mentor, advance, recognize, and connect female STEM students and professionals with each other and our community in Indiana. Our members and sponsors represent a wide array of STEM fields, including life sciences, accounting, engineering, psychology, statistics, and information technology.

Women & Hi Tech is run by an all-volunteer, working Board of Directors. We are looking for candidates who are actively engaged with the organization, and will bring wisdom, experience, effectiveness, candor, and creative thinking. We are passionate about our organization and the meaningful work we do and are looking for like-minded individuals. We do not take the term “working board” lightly. At any given time, a Director is leading her/his own area of responsibility while also contributing to other areas of the organization, including serving on committees, participating in Women & Hi Tech events, and representing Women & Hi Tech in the community.

We are seeking off-term nominations for our K-12 Outreach Director Position.

All nominations will be reviewed by a board selection committee. Nominees must be Women & Hi Tech members in good standing at the time of initial voting and must remain in good standing throughout their tenure. The elected director will take office on February 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026.

To apply or nominate an individual, please complete the following form by Friday, December 1, 2023.

The role description as well as the relevant policies and requirements are linked below. Please submit your nomination at https://wht.formstack.com/forms/board_of_directors

• K-12 Outreach Director
  
  
• Code of Conduct & Conflict of Interest Policy for Members of the Board
• Active Board of Directors & Active Emeritus Member Participation Requirements

Save the Date for Women & Hi Tech’s Leading Light Awards

 October 3rd, 2024!

Indianapolis, IN - On October 3rd, 2024, Women & Hi Tech will host its signature biennial event, the Leading Light Awards (LLAs). This prestigious event focuses on celebrating Indiana women, specifically diverse women, in STEM – women who are risk-takers, leaders, educators, mentors, and those who are changing and impacting our local STEM landscape. In addition, Women & Hi Tech will honor one male ally at this exceptional event. During the Leading Light Awards, we will also award scholarships and grants to diverse women in Indiana pursuing degrees and/or continuing their education in STEM fields. Award nominations and scholarship applications are projected to open in January 2024.

The theme of this year’s event will be focused around Women & Hi Tech’s 25th Anniversary celebration. Our silver jubilee will recognize our founders who planted a seed in Indianapolis a quarter of a century ago to elevate and connect women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)!

We invite organizations throughout Indiana to become a sponsor for the 2024 Leading Light Awards. There are several Leading Light Awards (LLA) sponsorship opportunities. This includes supporting a portion of the LLA event such as a Signature, Media, Table, Bar, Treats, and In-Kind Sponsorships. Additionally, there are opportunities to sponsor a scholarship or a grant for professional development.

The 2024 Leading Light Awards, with an expected attendance of around 700 guests, is an outstanding opportunity to gain, maintain, and/or enhance personal or company brand recognition as an Indiana STEM trailblazer, to meet and/or connect with other leading STEM professionals, organizations, and companies in Indiana, and to celebrate and inspire your employees, clients, and customers.

For more information about the Leading Light Awards or to inquire about event sponsorship, please visit https://womenandhitech.org/2024-Leading-Light-Awards/

Kind Regards,
Women & Hi Tech Board of Directors

Two Women & Hi Tech Board Members Nominated for Hope25

President Maria Alvim Gaston & Executive Women’s Forum Director Linda Calvin To Be Honored August 4 & 5

Indianapolis, IN – Two Women & Hi Tech board members have been selected as Hope25 2023 nominees by Hope Magazine. This year’s Hope25 Empowerment Event will take place August 4^th and 5^th, centered around the theme of “25 Reasons to Keep Your Eyes Forward.” Each honoree is selected in part based on her forward-looking perspective and ability to inspire others.

Maria Alvim Gaston is Women & Hi Tech’s first Latina President, leading our organization in vision, execution of our mission, and day to day operations. Maria was recently honored with a 2023 Latino Legacy Award by the Indiana Latino Institute. She works by day as an Executive Director of the Talent Development Academy for Eli Lilly & Company, helping to recruit the next generation of talent to unite caring with discovery and transform the lives of patients around the world. “I am thankful for this amazing honor and hope to continue to inspire women to HOPE!” said Maria.

Linda Calvin is the Executive Women’s Forum Director of Women & Hi Tech, where she facilitates essential conversations and awareness about the issues facing women in STEM through virtual and in-person events. Linda is also a licensed attorney and keynote speaker through Transcend Consulting. She works by day as the Chief Impact Officer for Reboot Representation, an organization dedicated to doubling the number of Black, Latina and Native American (BLNA) women graduating with computing degrees by 2025. “I’m so flattered to be a Hope Magazine Honoree. It means so much that someone thought to nominate me and recognize the important work I’m doing with community and thought leaders,” said Linda. “Most important for me is that women are seen and celebrated, especially Black, Latina and Native American women. When you see us, you can be us. We need to be visible to other women and young girls to inspire them to keep going!”

Women & Hi Tech is so grateful to have both these amazing women on our Board of Directors to help our own organization keep its eyes forward, focused on our mission, vision, and values.

Congratulations to all 25 amazing nominees, including another longtime Women & Hi Tech volunteer and previous Leading Light Awards grant recipient LaJoi Shelton Robinson.

See all of the Hope 25 nominees and register to attend the celebration of their excellence at https://www.hope25.com/

Women & Hi Tech Announces Call for 2023 Board of Directors Nominations

Founded in 1999 in Indianapolis by a female scientist from Eli Lilly & Company and a female academic from Indiana University, Women & Hi Tech exists to change the landscape of women represented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) to be equally inclusive to all. To achieve our goal, we work to mentor, advance, recognize, and connect female STEM students and professionals with each other and our community in Indiana. Our members and sponsors represent a wide array of STEM fields, including life sciences, accounting, engineering, psychology, statistics, and information technology.

Women & Hi Tech is run by an all-volunteer, working Board of Directors. We are looking for candidates that will bring wisdom, experience, effectiveness, candor, and creative thinking. We are passionate about our organization and the meaningful work we do and are looking for like-minded individuals. We do not take the term “working board” lightly. At any given time, a Director is leading her/his own area of responsibility while also contributing to other areas of the organization, including serving on committees, participating in Women & Hi Tech events, and representing Women & Hi Tech in the community.

The call for nominations closes Monday, May 8, 2023. Multiple nominations from a single candidate are permitted. All nominations will be reviewed by the Nomination Committee. Nominees must be Women & Hi Tech members in good standing at the time of initial voting and must remain in good standing throughout their tenure.

New board members take office on July 1, 2023.Board Orientation for new Directors will be conducted in-person in late June, date to be announced soon.

To apply or nominate an individual, please review the job descriptions and policies linked below and complete the online form by May 8, 2023. Thank you for your interest!

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director
• Community Outreach Director
• Corporate Engagement Director
• Organizational Growth and Readiness Director

• Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy for Members of the Board
• Active Board of Directors and Active Emeritus Member Participation Requirements

Women & Hi Tech couldn’t resist the opportunity to catch up with Board Member Emeritus Rebecca Bormann and learn about her new consulting business. “For the past few years I’ve been asked by different women’s groups to come talk about business development, sales, and personal branding best practices,” Rebecca explained. “The time was right for me to put this message at the center of my life and my career, so I made the leap to start Rebecca Bormann Consulting, LLC.”

Rebecca shared a story of how this move was affirmed right away through big and small connections. “I met someone at a power lunch who is a business development representative, but she said right away ‘I’m not in sales like that!’ This put in perspective for me how I want to help people change their mindset that being in sales is not a bad thing. It’s the service of finding your ‘yes.’ Which is the ideal client your product/service/solution serves and provides value to. Kind of like match making or connecting people and solutions that go together.” Rebecca’s mission is to help people be confident they are bringing worth and their authentic selves in their conversations and relationships, as well as empowering them with strategies and tools. “Advanced selling tactics won’t change the game for someone who doesn’t have foundational skills like confidence, the right mindset about money, and a strong sense of their personal why.”

Rebecca recently announced a consulting partnership with the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, one of the many local organizations she shares her time and talent with. Women & Hi Tech is also happy she has chosen to continue her involvement with our K-12 Outreach Committee. “I am so passionate about focusing on empowering and inspiring girls to be what they want to be,” she explained.

Rebecca stepped in as our interim Leading Light Awards director to plan the 2022 Leading Light Awards, which was a historic evening for Women & Hi Tech. We gave away the most scholarship dollars in our history and also had one of the best-attended evenings ever. In part, this success was thanks to Rebecca’s “lessons learned” from leading our 2020 LLA’s as our President at the time. “It’s great we get to give shine to so many women with diverse backgrounds in STEM. Whether they’re a rising star or have been changing the landscape for three decades, a diverse group of women and men come together to support, cheer on, recognize, and pave the way for the future.”

Rebecca repeated our shared amazement at the support we receive from businesses of all sizes, from big organizations to diverse-owned small businesses and even solopreneurs. “They all show up to support in sponsorships, and scholarships/grants and came out full force with their teams to support students,” Rebecca celebrated. “It’s an event which leaves me with a feeling of hope, and that while there’s work to do change is happening now.”

Rebecca was gracious to share a few more of the organizations she has become involved with. She has joined the advisory board for Boss Babe Network, an organization focused on supporting, promoting, and empowering professional women. “It’s a great place to get tapped into and I’m so proud to be helping them with event planning and growth strategies.”

She has also joined the advisory board for Shift Up Now, a foundation started by Indy Car driver Pippa Mann to help address the underfunding of women in motorsports worldwide.

After being part of The Startup Ladies for many years as an investing member, Rebecca has become one of their program ambassadors. “This means helping them make connections so more women and diverse people can scale their businesses. The Startup Ladies provides founders with different resources, connections, and funding opportunities.”

As Rebecca became concerned about women’s rights in Indiana she also joined the outreach committee for Women4Change, learning more about issues like pay equity, maternal mortality, and voter access.

Keep up with Rebecca and her many activities through the Rebecca Bormann Consulting social media channels:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088045455641

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rbconsultingbizdev-sales/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rb_bizdevconsulting/

If you’re interested in receiving information/resources on business development, relationship building best practices and sales trends Rebecca welcomes you to subscribe to RB Consulting emails at www.rbormannconsulting.com.

Tori Harper Mercado started her career in sports and entertainment marketing. She studied areas like market research, rebranding, hospitality and merchandising at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. “I got great opportunities working for Indy Eleven and the Colts, and my first job out of college was working in social media doing coverage for USF200 within the IndyCar Series.” In this role, Tori got to travel and learn a lot about racing she didn’t know. But when she decided to get married, she wanted to stop the travel and make a career change. One of her business mentors recommended she make a shift into marketing for STEM industries. She spend a short time with an environmental and civil engineering firm. Then, tech found her via her current role in sales with Onebridge. “I love being in front of clients and connecting with individuals.”

Tori adapted to the tech industry by leveraging skills she gained in college. “I learned very early the best way to be effective in any career is to get involved in areas where you are connecting with like-minded individuals. Because my experience and background were not in tech, getting caught up at Onebridge required me to network and meet people who share my values.” This discovery process led Tori to start attending events with Techpoint as well as Women & Hi Tech. “I knew Women & Hi Tech was serving a focused demographic and thought people with similar experiences and challenges would be easier to find in a group like this.”

In 2023, Tori joined the Membership Engagement Committee as the Clickside Chat Coordinator. ClickSide Chats were started during the pandemic as a means for members to build connections and network in a virtual setting. But Tori has big visions for how this program can evolve in the post-pandemic landscape. “Now I would really like to see some chats happen in person. Once the hour is up, people don’t currently get the chance to connect with speakers or each other. Also, I would love if we could host these chats more frequently to address all the topics we have in mind. If we can get into the planning ahead and picking our speakers, that would be amazing.”

Overall, Tori’s perspective on the Indiana tech and STEM community is a positive one. “There are a lot of women in the space that are excited and looking for other women, too. Indiana is a very small community where it’s easy for you to know people at all levels of industry. We are the crossroads of America and I think we are taking advantage of that.” She hopes to see Indiana’s STEM community become more nationally-renowned, especially as both individuals and businesses are willing to take risks. “Today we often forget that the best way to find if something is for us is just to try it. You are going to fail 100% of the time if 100% of the time you don’t try. My tip for anyone trying to make a career transition into STEM fields is to be open-minded and willing to try everything at least once.”

by Glenn Keller and Theron Wilson

Women & Hi Tech's writing lead Glenn Keller had the chance to correspond with Theron Wilson, Per Scholas Indianapolis Managing Director, to learn more about a new tech skills training program launching in Indianapolis. 

What should the Central Indiana area expect to see once you are running at full capacity?

Per Scholas is so proud to have launched our proven technology skills training right here in Indianapolis – a growing tech hub in America’s heartland. Our inaugural cohort begins on March 13, where 20 local learners will train on the ins and outs of IT Support. In just 12 weeks, they’ll graduate and be ready to make a difference day one on the job at area businesses.

Per Scholas Indianapolis will offer two additional IT Support training cohorts this year – in June and October. I’m thrilled that we’re on track to train 60 future technologists here in Indianapolis in 2023. Once we’re at full capacity and offering additional training opportunities, Central Indiana can expect to see a significant increase in the number of diverse individuals who are trained and connected to high-growth careers in technology. This will help to fill the growing demand for tech talent in the region, while also providing opportunities for individuals who might not otherwise have access to these jobs.

How will you ensure that the message about this program gets to those who most need it?

The intention around building our footprint of awareness of Per Scholas Indianapolis is to ensure we connect and build supportive partnerships with community organizations that are in need of pathways to employment with sustainable and thriving wages. Furthermore, speaking to developing this unique IT talent pool, we want to build relationships with workforce ecosystems, such as EmployIndy, also leaders in economic development such as Techpoint and Ascend Indiana with Central Indiana Corporate Partnership. It’s through a broad network that will enable Per Scholas Indianapolis to be exposed to the appropriate audience that will benefit the most from.

You are serving notice that acceptance is highly competitive.  What are some of the criteria you look at?

At Per Scholas Indianapolis, we’re looking to enroll individuals who are motivated, committed, and have a strong interest in technology. We also consider factors such as educational background, work experience, and personal circumstances when evaluating candidates. There are minimal eligibility requirements to apply to Per Scholas: an individual must be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma or GED, and be authorized to work in the United States. Click here to learn more!

What sort of help do you need from the community?

Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana has been an incredible partner, and we are thrilled to offer our training from their headquarters at 1635 W. Michigan Street. At the moment, we’re looking to our community for two things – first to spread the word about our tuition-free training and encourage potential learners to apply. The second is to consider hiring Per Scholas Indianapolis-trained talent for their IT Support needs later this summer and going forward.

How can people get involved in the mission?

People can get involved in the mission of Per Scholas by donating, volunteering, spreading the word about our training, and hiring our graduates! Those interested in learning more and getting involved can contact me at twilson@perscholas.org! I’m always looking to connect with members of our dynamic Indianapolis community.

How do you ensure that you are recruiting from a diverse population?

Achieving diversity in the tech workforce is part of our mission and embedded in our DNA here at Per Scholas. To ensure we are recruiting diverse candidates, I feel that there needs to be specific efforts to engage with partners who serve and have access to diverse populations. Partnerships that support the advancement of minority populations will allow exposure to talent development and employment opportunities they may not otherwise have access to. Furthermore, as we continue to grow our staff here in the Indianapolis market, we want to ensure our staff represents the community we want to serve. 

At capacity, how many people do you expect to graduate each year?

In 2023, Per Scholas Indianapolis aims to graduate at least 60 technologists in our IT Support curriculum. Next year, we aim to graduate 90 technologists within in-person and remote cohort opportunities. Overall, by the beginning of 2028, Per Scholas Indianapolis anticipates to have graduated 500 technologists, launching 500 careers in technology in our local economy.

Welcome to Indianapolis, Per Scholas! To learn more about this training program visit https://perscholas.org/locations/indianapolis/

The Diversity & Innovation Institute seeks to promote research and development of new technologies among health, science, and engineering students, educators, and professionals as well as facilitating networking opportunities between students and professionals. They are currently accepting applications for their summer Young Innovators Quest program.

Students who have at least completed 8th grade and are between 14 and 17 years are invited to apply. Participants should be interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and/or medicine. Financial Assistance to cover up to the full program tuition is available on a case by case basis and based on need.

Participants formulate and develop innovation research projects of great interest to them in an immersive and engaging environment on the IUPUI campus. Throughout the program (June 5-24) participants enjoy a variety of STEM and skills development workshops, visit various industry partners, and meet with mentors who guide them through the process of solving a problem. After the program, they may continue to work with these mentors on their project. As alumni of the program, participants will also be invited to future DNOVA events!

Learn more about the program and how to apply at https://dnova.org/yiq/