By Rick Conner

A Partnership Begins

Our $250,000 gift to Indianapolis Public Schools is just the beginning of our partnership with Project Lead The Way to develop in-demand science, technology, engineering, and mathematical (STEM) skills in our youth.

As I said in the all-employee email and in media interviews on March 21, our goal goes way beyond the gift’s monetary value. Our goal is that PLTW’s results-oriented STEM curriculum will lead to higher graduation rates in IPS, more students seeking higher education, and ultimately, many of these students pursuing STEM-related careers right here in Indianapolis.

I also hope that our gift will serve as an example to other companies to make similar investments in the community to say thank you to the City that helped propel their growth and success.

You will also have ways to contribute your time and talent to PLTW programs if you wish. We are in the beginning stages of learning what volunteer opportunities will be available to us at IPS. Stay tuned for updates.

I am truly excited about this partnership and its possibilities. There is no better way to fulfil our mission statement of “improving the quality of life for our communities” than by investing to ensure young people are college- and career-ready upon graduating from high school. Here’s to a promising future for IPS.