Elevate Indianapolis

Elevate Indianapolis was founded ten years ago on a simple belief: no one gets there alone. Through our Teacher-Mentor model, full-time, salaried mentors build long-term, life-changing relationships with Indianapolis youth, walking alongside them from the classroom into adulthood. Today, approximately 5,000 students and alums are living proof that this model works, with 99% of Elevate students graduating high school.

Our comprehensive programming extends beyond mentoring. Pathways to Purpose provides career exploration, workforce development, college and postsecondary planning, internships, and industry connections. Sports & Adventure builds confidence, resilience, and teamwork through experiences students might not otherwise access. Character and life skills development are woven throughout every program.

The need is urgent. One in five IPS students citywide does not graduate, and over 1,200 youth are currently on waitlists for formal mentoring in our city. This is not a failure of potential. It’s a failure of access and Elevate exists to close that gap.

As we mark this milestone year, we’re raising $1 million in one-time Bridge Funding to expand our proven model and equip 10,000+ more youth over the next decade. This investment will:

• Hire and train Teacher-Mentors (60%) to meet growing demand for consistent, individualized mentorship
• Expand alum support and career pathways (20%), including internships, career counseling, and workforce training
• Upgrade systems and data infrastructure (10%) to track outcomes and demonstrate impact
• Strengthen internal operations and fundraising capacity (10%) to build a sustainable foundation for the next decade

Investment in Elevate is an investment in Indianapolis itself. Research shows every student who graduates from high school earns over $10,000 more per year than a peer who doesn’t, and that return multiplies with a college degree or professional credential. Every gift helps us turn consistent, trusted relationships into futures our students couldn’t reach alone.