Five Star Joins Indiana NSF IMPACT Engine
Five Star Technology Solutions joins Indiana’s NSF IMPACT Engine, backed by $15 million in initial funding for STEM and workforce pathways.
By Academic Writing Club Newsroom
Five Star Technology Solutions has joined Indiana’s newly designated NSF IMPACT Engine, linking K-12 STEM learning with careers in musculoskeletal and orthopedic industries. Led by Indiana University, the initiative includes more than 170 partners statewide. It will receive $15 million in its first two years, with potential funding of up to $160 million over 10 years. Partners have committed another $179 million to the effort.
STEM Pathways in Indiana
The U.S. National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines program selected the coalition to support musculoskeletal health innovation, workforce development, research, health care, industry, and education. Five Star will work with schools and educators to expand STEM learning, career-connected experiences, and pathways for students in Warsaw and across Indiana.
Dr. Jason Roseberry, CEO at Five Star Technology Solutions, said:
“Five Star has always believed that powerful STEM learning happens when students can connect what they are learning in the classroom to real opportunities in the world around them.”
Work Based Learning Focus
The Engine’s workforce priorities include K-12 STEM pathways, work-based learning and internships, employer-educator partnerships, and training and credentialing opportunities. Warsaw Community Schools’ STEM practices and methodologies were identified as a cornerstone of the grant application’s K-12 programming.
OrthoWorx will connect the Engine’s innovation and workforce work to the Warsaw region. Its work advancing the orthopedic industry aligns with Five Star’s focus on helping students and educators understand local career opportunities.
Ryan Christner, CEO at OrthoWorx, said:
“OrthoWorx is proud to serve as a partner in the NSF IMPACT Engine, a transformative opportunity to position Indiana as a global leader in musculoskeletal health. At OrthoWorx, we believe thriving ecosystems are built through meaningful collaboration and sustained by a strong pipeline of talent. We are excited to help expand access to STEM learning and career discovery so more students can see their future in this growing field.”
Targets for the Engine
The coalition aims to train more than 1,900 workers, launch more than 85 startups, bring at least 30 innovations to market, and generate more than $535 million in economic impact for Indiana. Five Star’s Learning Services include STEM professional learning, instructional coaching, strategic planning, and other supports for schools.
