Nextech Org Inc

Nextech was created in 2015 to address the widening gap between computer-related employment opportunities and the number of individuals pursuing these opportunities. Nextech works to elevate technical, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills of Indiana K-12 students, inspiring and enabling young people from all backgrounds to pursue careers in technology.

Artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and other computer science-driven fields are transforming how we live, work, and connect. For Indiana, with its strong roots in software development, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, and life sciences, this is more than a moment of change - it's a crossroads.

At Nextech, we're urgently focused on preparing students to lead in this new economy and ensuring no one is left behind. We believe every Indiana student should have the chance to explore, learn, and thrive in a world powered by technology. That's why we're reimagining what's possible in K-12 education - bringing computer science, AI and data science to life in ways that spark curiosity, build confidence, and open doors to opportunity.

To accomplish this, we illustrate and amplify pathways to tech careers and inspire students to see themselves in those careers, as well as expand equitable access to hands-on classroom instruction, provide experiential learning through partnerships with employers and create advanced opportunities for continued practice in AI, Data Science and other emerging technologies. 

Nextech signature teacher programs focus on providing professional development for Computer Science educators. We equip Indiana K-12 teachers with the content knowledge, instructional strategies and confidence to deliver computer science curriculum in the classroom. With our professional development workshops and courses, teachers will not only learn the subject matter, they become a community of computer science teachers across the state.

Our flagship program is CSPD Week, a free, in-person professional development week for Hoosier teachers offering networking and workshops.  Offered each summer, The Summer 2025 program brought together over 400 educators in Bloomington, Indiana.

Beyond Nextech’s efforts to scale statewide capacity of K-12 Computer Science teachers, the organization has introduced a steady stream of student-focused programs to help students better connect what they are learning in the classroom to a wide array of careers in technology.

Signature student programs include:

Navigate - A virtual career conference built to educate and inspire high school students about the power of computer science and careers in technology.  Over 500 students attended the 2025 conference.

CSforGood - A statewide competition for K-12 students.  Working with a teacher sponsor, elementary, middle and high school teams submit a technology project - either a software application, website, physical computing device or prototype that they created to demonstrate how computer science can be used for good when applied to real problems that affect their schools and communities.

Catapult - The Nextech Catapult program was created in 2016 and initially served only Marion County students, but has since expanded to Evansville and Muncie. 80% of active Catapult alumni pursue a STEM path after high school

Catapult is a fully immersive, 5-week paid computer science internship for high school students (primarily juniors and seniors) who aspire to a career in technology.

Taking place during the summer and 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 post-secondary success, and build deep roots for a lifelong personal and professional connection to Indiana. After the internship, Catapult alumni continue to be engaged via mentoring (resume building, college & career counseling) and community engagement events such as Pacers STEMfest.

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.

Each Catapult receives training via 154 program hours. Program hours fall into one of four categories:

1. Classroom to Career Training (17.5 hours)

2. College & Career Readiness (37 hours)

3. Team Building/Community Engagement (26 hours)

4. Technical Skills Development (73.5 hours)