An Indianapolis Public Schools classroom has been transformed into the district’s first fully funded grade school STEM lab, thanks to NextGear Capital and Cox Enterprises. The $50,000 donation from these community partners outfitted a classroom at Ernie Pyle School with technology and more for students to explore the field of robotics through hands-on learning.

“I’m simply stunned by all the tools that are now available for our students to build and explore robotics in different ways,” said teacher Jenina Sorenson. 

“I like the STEM lab because we get to build robots, and we can sit with our friends and work on projects together,” added one of the students.

The transformation of her fifth and sixth grade classroom took place in July. NextGear Capital employees set up the donated technology and other equipment including new iPads, a 3D printer, a VEX GO construction system, Sphero programmable robots and other educational activities that help children learn STEM concepts through play-based learning. They also assembled furniture and helped complete the space such as such hanging a Lego wall and other classroom decorations.       

Representatives from NextGear Capital and the TechPoint Foundation for Youth visited the school on Aug. 24 to see the new STEM lab in action. “When people are empowered with a purpose, they create a ripple effect that positively impacts the lives of everyone around them,” said Scott Maybee, president of NextGear Capital. “The TechPoint Foundation for Youth was the perfect partner to help us achieve this purpose by ensuring that underserved students in our community have access to STEM education.”

The classroom creation was inspired by Atlanta-based Cox Enterprises’ “34 by 34” social impact initiative that launched last year. Its goal is to empower 34 million people to live more prosperous lives by 2034 by taking meaningful action in communities where the company’s employees live and work. NextGear Capital, located in Carmel, is affiliated with Cox Enterprises.