Fishers City officials on Nov. 17 described how a city-funded teacher innovation program has translated into new classroom equipment, student externships and a film accepted into a regional festival.

Mike Fassel, the educator who led the city-side efforts, said the program began with a $500,000 set-aside and receives an additional $50,000 annually. "If you want STEM to work, you gotta get it to them in, elementary school," Fassel said, outlining investments in makerspaces, virtual-reality welding simulators and expanded media resources at Hamilton Southeastern High School.

Students from Hamilton Southeastern High School’s Southeastern Media Network presented a short film produced during a city-supported externship. "We got to partner with the city of Fishers and create this video that really showcased the effect of the grants," student Lily Perez said. Perez and teammates said the film visited roughly six schools and highlighted maker-space and welding opportunities for children from kindergarten through grade 12; the team reported the film was accepted into the Indiana Heartland International Film Festival for general competition.

Fassel described how specific purchases changed classroom practice: VR welding lets students practice without the recurring material cost of mistakes, and makerspace equipment accelerated access for elementary students who otherwise lacked hands-on STEM time. Staff and council members asked teachers to continue submitting ideas; city staff said they have budgeted another $50,000 for the program in the 2026 budget.

The council did not take separate action on the presentation; it served as an informational update and public recognition of participating students and educators.