By Bobbi Bosch—
INDIANAPOLIS —Nextech, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit dedicated to creating universal access to computer science (CS) curriculum and experiences for all K-12 Indiana students, in partnership with TeenWorks has launched a new paid internship program for Muncie and Anderson high school students. The Catapult internship program received start-up funding from an Indiana University Health Community Impact Investment Fund (CIIF) grant.
Catapult is an experiential, paid internship for high school students who aspire to a career in technology. Taught by industry professionals in conjunction with a licensed computer science teacher, participants develop technical skills, create authentic peer relationships, improve workplace readiness, create plans for postsecondary success and build deep roots for a lifelong personal and professional connection to Indiana.
Classes are being held on the Ivy Tech Muncie campus, and programming will include visits to local businesses and universities as well as hands-on instruction from local tech industry professionals. Unlike traditional programs that focus on one competency, Nextech leverages strategic partnerships to deliver best-in-class experiences, while removing barriers such as transportation, meals and equipment. Catapult interns will learn a variety of skills including front-end web development (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript, project management, product development) and will create their own personal portfolio/website using industry-recognized software development platform GitHub.
Originally offered in Indianapolis, Catapult now operates in 3 Indiana cities: Indianapolis, Evansville and Muncie. After the internship, alumni continue to engage through programming focused on college and career readiness. Roughly 300 students have completed the program since 2016. Over 80% of active alumni pursue a STEM path after high school and 60% come from populations underrepresented in Indiana’s tech sector.
Nextech President Karen Jung firmly believes in the transformational power of Computer Science education to prepare students for success in the classroom and in life. Per Jung, “If a student can see it, if a student can experience it, they can be it.”
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 Indiana University Health
Named the “#1 Hospital in Indiana” by U.S. News & World Report, Indiana University Health is dedicated to providing a unified standard of preeminent, patient-centered care. A unique partnership with Indiana University School of Medicine – one of the nation’s leading medical schools – gives our highly skilled physicians access to innovative treatments using the latest research and technology. Learn more at iuhealth.org.
