From Robots to Purdue: How One Student Engineered Her Future
In 2022, Abby Beauchamp stood on the floor of TechPoint Youth’s State Robotics Championship after years of leading her high school robotics team. She had no idea her life was about to change.
In front of thousands of students and coaches, she was surprised with the very first Purdue Robotics Scholarship, a full-circle moment that turned her college dream into something real. And for Abby, a first-generation college student, it meant everything.
Finding Her Spark
College had always felt like both a dream and a challenge for Abby. She imagined late nights, multiple jobs, and a lot of uncertainty. But then two things happened in high school that changed her course: an AP Statistics class and a robotics team.
What started as just another elective turned into a love of data and storytelling through numbers. Then came robotics, a bold leap that became a defining part of her identity. What began as “something to put on college apps” quickly transformed into passion. Abby wasn’t just building robots, she was building confidence, leadership skills, and a vision for her future. By junior year, she was leading the robotics team, securing sponsors, managing tournaments, and learning to lead under pressure.
Kristina Wong, Vice Provost of Enrollment and Abby
A Launchpad to Purdue
Today, Abby is a thriving junior at Purdue University, majoring in Industrial Engineering. She’s active in the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers and Women in Engineering, and she still makes time for one of her favorite pastimes: quadball (formerly known as Muggle Quidditch!).
She’s not just studying, she’s engaging. Thanks to the Purdue Robotics Scholarship, Abby has been able to say yes to leadership roles, mentorship programs, and clubs that fuel her curiosity. She’s explored Purdue’s career fairs, works at the Bechtel Innovation Design Center, and found a community where she feels at home.
Most importantly, she hasn’t had to sacrifice her education just to stay afloat financially. The Purdue Robotics Scholarship, made possible through a powerful partnership between Purdue University and TechPoint Youth gave her room to focus, grow, and lead. It opened doors that would have otherwise stayed shut.
““Without the scholarship, I probably would’ve been working two jobs and barely keeping up. Instead, I’ve been able to dive in, take chances, and really enjoy being a college student.””
More Than a Scholarship - A Movement
Abby’s story is just the beginning. Since that first award, four more students from across Indiana have received the Purdue Robotics Scholarship - each one a standout in STEM, leadership, and passion. They’re now building their own paths at Purdue, inspired by what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.
TechPoint Youth exists to make these moments happen. We believe students shouldn’t be limited by zip codes or income - they should be empowered by access, community, and a spark of curiosity. That’s why we invest in programs like robotics, STEM mentorship, and work-based learning, reaching over 65,000 students each year across all 92 Indiana counties.
When you support TechPoint Youth, you’re not just donating to a program - you’re investing in students like Abby. You’re fueling futures. You’re helping Indiana’s youth build the skills, confidence, and networks they need to thrive in college and beyond.
Check out this personal video from Abby sharing how impactful this scholarship has been.