Indy Standard

William Penn Middle School Principal Chelsey Thompson has been awarded the Bridge Builder Award by the TechPoint Foundation for Youth. The award acknowledges her efforts in providing STEM opportunities to underserved students.

Thompson's achievements include facilitating access to STEM programs for underrepresented youth, offering experiential learning opportunities, and inspiring students towards STEM careers. She also engaged professionals as volunteers to enhance these initiatives.

“While I could not be prouder to be this year’s recipient, all of my thanks and appreciation goes to my phenomenal staff at William Penn Middle School,” Thompson said. “As a whole, they have worked to cultivate and embrace our STEM identity as a school and serve our students tirelessly day in and day out at Penn. Our school’s future could not be brighter, due to the amazing team at my side. There’s no other group of humans that I would rather serve our scholars and families with.”

The school's efforts have also led them to become a finalist in the Talent Impact Award category at the MIRA Awards on February 27th, where Thompson will receive the Bridge Builder Award.

Michelle Jackson, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning at Indianapolis Public Schools, praised Thompson's work. “We are so proud of Chelsey and all the work she has done in her first year at William Penn Middle School,” she said. “Receiving the Bridge Builder Award is a remarkable achievement and a testament to her dedication to providing meaningful STEM opportunities for underserved youth.”

Jackson highlighted that Thompson's efforts continue to inspire both students and colleagues.

Thompson previously managed Career Technical Education pathways at Arsenal Technical High School and served as a corporate educational strategist for internships and apprenticeships nationwide. Her teaching career was primarily focused on music education as a high school director of bands.

She is currently President of Elevate Performing Arts in Indianapolis and an adjunct professor for the University of Indianapolis’ principal preparation program.