the fight to thrive
Although the challenges and obstacles our students encounter in day-to-day life seem insurmountable, we wholeheartedly strive to energize dreams with restored hope and to open doors that establish equity. Within the context of trusting relationships, we equip and empower students to thrive and to be change agents in their communities both now and in the future.
High School Graduation
Seniors in Indianapolis Public Schools who failed to graduate with their cohort [Indiana Department of Education, 2023]
Graduation Pathways
Seniors in Indianapolis Public Schools who completed all Graduation Pathways requirements [Indiana Department of Education, 2023]
College Success
Graduates of Indianapolis Public Schools enrolled in college who met all early college success benchmarks [Indiana Department of Education, 2023]
the crisis
Marginalized youth make the transition from high school drastically underprepared for adulthood. One in five students leave without a diploma. For the ones who graduate and enroll in college, only one in three reached the early benchmarks critical to earn a degree. Few possess the job readiness skills essential to succeed in the workforce.
These debilitating factors collide with the traumatic impact of close proximity and persistent exposure to the multidimensional challenges of poverty and violence.
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spike in gun-related deaths per 100,000 for Indianapolis youth from 2016 to 2023 [Youth Firearm Injury Report, Magee, 2024]
Hoosier children whose family income fell below the federal poverty level who experienced 2+ Adverse Childhood Experiences [National Survey of Children’s Health, 2022]
Elevate high school students received treatment for mental health issues in the past [Thriving Youth Survey, 2024]
Average chronic absenteeism rate for our four partner high schools [Indiana Department of Education, 2023]
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the reality
Growing up in neighborhoods with high rates of poverty and incarceration coupled with low rates of high school graduation and limited access to job skills training blocks too many youth with endless potential from life-changing experiences.
Systemic inequities create multiple layers of adversity that interfere, detour, and block them from fulfilling aspirations and achieving goals. Entrapped in dysfunctional intergenerational patterns, they repeat the destructive cycle of downward economic mobility.
kindergarten to Grade 12 students in Indianapolis Public Schools who live in poverty [Indiana Department of Education, 2024]
Elevate high school students with at least one incarcerated family member [Thriving Youth Survey, 2024]
Elevate high school students with a parent without a high school diploma [Thriving Youth Survey, 2024]
among the largest US cities, the likelihood Indianapolis children who live in poverty escaping it as adults [Chetty, Equality of Opportunity, 2014]
the opportunity
A future in contrast to the reality faced by our students is possible.
While journeying with students from learner to earner, our teacher-mentors encourage, advise, and advocate for them as they hone character qualities and life skills, choose a high-quality career pathway that aligns with their interests and talents, and act on the comprehensive plan we shape together.
The innovative support we offer equips students with the tools and empowers them with the agency and confidence to succeed for a lifetime.
student
transformation
Our Thriving Youth Survey revealed student’s growth after three or more semesters with Elevate in key indicators of impact from Fall 2023 to Spring 2024:
95% more from fall to spring
154% more from fall to spring
131% more from fall to spring
99% more from fall to spring
Just imagine...
Without a doubt, every child possesses the raw talent and innate gifts to flourish but, like each one of us, needs help along the way.
Too many vulnerable students from our most under-resourced neighborhoods see their dreams in the distance, but finding the path that leads to them and overcoming the obstacles prove impossible alone.
Alongside students, we bridge gaps, remove barriers, and prepare the next generation to be thriving citizens who contribute to Indianapolis becoming a 21st-century model city.
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imagine with us
Energizing dreams and opening doors for our students introduces them to endless possibilities. Watch hope take root and spark change as a volunteer.