Innovatemap Partners with Nextech to Inspire the Next Generation of Tech Leaders

At Innovatemap, we believe in the power of education and the potential of young minds. That’s why we were thrilled to partner with Nextech and welcome their Catapult class of 2024 to our office. 

This program is more than just a summer activity; it’s a transformative experience for high school students aspiring to enter the world of technology.

What is the Nextech Catapult Program?

The Nextech Catapult program is a fully immersive computer science initiative aimed at high school students from across Indiana. This summer program, led by industry professionals and licensed computer science teachers, is designed to help students spark a love for tech and arm students with the skills they need to succeed.

Participants in the Catapult program gain:

• Professional connections within the tech industry.
• Increased understanding of tech-related job opportunities 
• Applicable education and skills necessary to pursue future tech careers.
• A sense of belonging in the tech community.

By partnering with industry leaders and connectors like Innovatemap, Nextech ensures that all Catapult participants develop a solid foundation of skills crucial for college, career and life.

Why We Partnered with Nextech to Mentor the Next Generation

Our partnership with Nextech is rooted in a shared mission: to create equitable access to computer science education and experiences for all K-12 students in Indiana. 

“We’ve always believed in the power of education to transform lives,” said Mike Reynolds, Innovatemap Founder & CEO. “Partnering with Nextech enables us to give back to our community by nurturing the next generation of tech leaders.”

Since our start in 2014, partnering with Nextech has been both a privilege and a priority. This collaboration lets us use our skills and time to make a real impact. This year’s visit was particularly special as two teaching assistants leading the high school students were former Catapult students who visited Innovatemap in 2019. Reconnecting and seeing how their tech careers have flourished was a full-circle moment. It’s a powerful reminder of how mentorship can shape a student’s future.

How We Innovated Alongside the Catapult Students

During their visit, we focused on helping students discover innovative ways to build their personal websites through both brand and product design.

Our brand designers emphasized the importance of creating a portfolio site that reflects each student’s unique personality, encouraging them to think outside the box to showcase their experience and skillsets.

Three takeaways from our brand designers:

1. Authenticity matters: Your portfolio should be a true representation of who you are, not just what’s trendy right now.
2. Embrace simplicity:  Focus on visual hierarchy; stick with two or three fonts and choose complementing colors.
3. Feedback is your friend: Getting feedback on your design can highlight strengths and areas for improvement. It may be intimidating, but it accelerates your skill development.

“Helping young designers at this stage in their journey is so rewarding because I get to share the knowledge that made me a better designer when I was their age,” said Yhareli Miller, Senior Motion Designer. “I want to encourage them to keep going, even when they doubt their work.”

Our UX designers shared insights on applying accessibility best practices to students’ websites, stressing the importance of inclusivity in design.

Three tips from our UX designers:

1. Prioritize accessibility: Design with all users in mind.
2. Create a clear hierarchy: Use headers and visuals to help guide users through the web page.
3. Consistency is key: Maintain a consistent design throughout your site for better usability.

“Accessibility is not a ‘nice to have’—it’s a critical component for all websites today. There are now laws and regulations to ensure digital products, like websites, are inclusive for all users,” emphasized Izsadora Johnson, Product Designer.

“If students learn how to integrate accessibility within their websites today, they’ll be ahead of the game by the time they enter the workforce.”

How Our Unique Journeys Led to Careers in Tech

For many of us at Innovatemap, high school was a pivotal time that shaped our career paths. Lee Eisenbarth, Kate Harrison and Katie Noble shared their unique journeys with the students, illustrating that there is no single path to a career in technology.

• Lee started his professional career touring the world with a band. 
• Kate majored in marketing and information systems in college, but now leads a career in product strategy. 
• And Katie thought her college internship would lead her to a career in Washington D.C.

Their stories highlighted that diverse experiences can lead to a successful career in tech. 

“The journey to a career in technology is not linear,” said Katie. “Embrace your own unique path, and don’t be afraid to pivot when new opportunities arise.”

Why We’re Leaning On Our Mission to Fuel the Future

Our day with the Nextech Catapult students was a powerful reminder of our mission: to help leaders we believe in achieve the visions they believe in. While these students aren’t building companies or products to change the world (yet), they are the future of technology. 

We’re committed to fostering a culture of innovation and mentorship. We want to ensure every student finds a way to their own unique role in the tech industry. 

Read more about our mission to be good to the town, and follow us to see how our team gives back to build a brighter future for ourselves and the communities we serve.