INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — It has been a tough time for many students because of the coronavirus pandemic. For college students, they're entering an uncertain economy, and many lost the opportunity for critical, in-person internships.
TechPoint, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit meant to help grow the city's technology sector, saw a need and created an opportunity from scratch to help.
It's called the Summer Opportunities for Students — or "S.O.S." challenge.
With the challenge, TechPoint is committing $250,000 to help around 500 students from Indiana colleges and universities.
Many of their "Xterns," who had already been placed in internships with tech companies that we're suddenly canceled because of COVID-19 concerns, are included in this, as well as many more recruits.
More than 50 Indiana tech companies offered to assist in the challenge in some way, which will break the students into nine groups who will take on challenges during the five-week virtual internship.
Mike Langellier, CEO at TechPoint, said the team at TechPoint had to think — and act — fast.
"We deconstructed the internship experience," Langellier said. "[The challenge] is a work experience. It is an opportunity to make professional connections. It's the opportunity to explore a city, and it's the opportunity to make some money."
This will all be accomplished in a virtual environment.
For students like Cassie Utley, a senior at Rose Hulman, this was the perfect chance to get great experience and build connections after her internship with an Indianapolis tech company had to be canceled.
"It just shows that this company tried and that they're trying to help other people, so I really appreciate it," Utley said.
The internship challenges are about the pandemic and how it has impacted life, business and technology around the world. Lots of research will be done and real solutions will be offered to those challenges the pandemic has given us as a society.
Each student receives a $500 stipend if they complete the challenge, and winners will share the $25,000 purse. There are other prizes too, along with an opportunity to present their project pitch and solution to Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb.
Leaders say the biggest benefit, however, is the invaluable experience these students will gain. They hope other cities across the country will be inspired to offer a similar opportunity.
Students from Indiana schools such as IU, Purdue, Ball State, Butler and more will be represented.
The application process is closed, and candidates are currently being selected.
The challenge gets underway June 15 and ends July 17.