Indiana STEM Program Newsletter: Local Resources and Guide

Indiana has built a STEM career ecosystem on two pillars that do not always appear in the same conversation: advanced manufacturing and pharmaceutical science. Both industries are major Indiana employers, both require strong STEM foundations, and both have active school partnership programs. A STEM newsletter that makes those connections visible gives Indiana families a clear picture of what their student's education is building toward.

Eli Lilly and pharmaceutical science careers

Eli Lilly and Company, headquartered in Indianapolis, is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies and one of Indiana's most significant private employers. Pharmaceutical science requires biology, chemistry, statistics, and clinical research skills. Lilly employs research scientists, manufacturing engineers, data scientists, and regulatory specialists. For Indianapolis area students, this is a world-class STEM employer in their city.

Medical devices: Indiana's hidden STEM cluster

Warsaw, Indiana is the orthopedic capital of the world. Zimmer Biomet, DePuy Synthes, Biomet, and dozens of other medical device companies are headquartered or operate in the Warsaw area. These companies employ biomedical engineers, materials scientists, and manufacturing technology specialists. For north-central Indiana students, the medical device industry is a highly accessible STEM career pathway that is not widely known outside the region.

Automotive manufacturing and engineering

Indiana has Honda manufacturing in Lincoln, Subaru in Lafayette, and Toyota in Princeton. These plants employ manufacturing engineers, quality control specialists, and automation technology experts. The transition to electric vehicles is bringing new engineering challenges and new hiring to Indiana's automotive sector. For students interested in mechanical and manufacturing engineering, these plants are accessible local employers.

Purdue and the engineering pipeline

Purdue University is consistently ranked among the top engineering schools in the country. The Purdue Polytechnic High Schools, a network of charter schools in Indianapolis and other Indiana cities, are specifically designed to connect students to technology and engineering careers through applied learning. For families who are unfamiliar with Purdue's programs, a brief mention in your newsletter with information about the polytechnic high school option can be genuinely life-changing information.

Template: Indiana STEM newsletter excerpt

"This semester our biology class is studying pharmaceutical development, which connects directly to Eli Lilly's research operations right here in Indianapolis. We have a Lilly scientist visiting in November to talk about how new drugs are developed and tested. We are also registering for the Indiana Science and Engineering Fair. Students who want to participate need to start their project proposals by November 15. The state fair connects to the international ISEF competition for top finishers."

Indiana STEM competitions and programs

FIRST Robotics Indiana holds multiple regional qualifying events. Science Olympiad Indiana is competitive at both middle and high school levels. The Indiana Science and Engineering Fair system has regional fairs across the state. SkillsUSA Indiana is particularly strong given the state's manufacturing identity. These competitions connect students to industry professionals and build skills that employers specifically look for.

Daystage makes it easy to keep Indiana families informed about STEM programs, competition deadlines, and local career connections throughout the school year.