.webp)
As our seniors wrap up their final weeks of high school and prepare for what lies ahead, we celebrate their hard work and dedication to the goals they've established in Elevate. Through gained experience and a supportive network of caring adults, we are confident that our students have the tools necessary to become thriving, contributing members of their community.
Thank you to the incredible panelists who helped us kick off the first day of our Youth Violence Prevention Week event, "From Band-Aids To Solutions."
We are grateful for a day of powerful conversations surrounding the challenges that lead to violence among our youth.
Thank you for engaging with us as we strive for a safer city for our children. We look forward to even more meaningful discussions at tomorrow's panel.
Did you know that 52% of Elevate students report serving their community regularly after developing deep relationships with their Teacher-Mentors?
This month for our Elevate-ing Indy Day of Service, our students beautified an Indy Parks site to give the community an outdoor place to enjoy. We love to see them helping keep their city beautiful for years to come!
OUR ELEVATE INDY ADVOCATES
Thank you to this month's in-class speakers who inspired our students with their stories!These three incredible women brought a wide variety of knowledge and insights to our classrooms. We are grateful that they took the time to help our students understand what is possible after high school.
Would you like to help empower tomorrow's leaders? Sign up to become an in-class speaker - your story may just change the trajectory of a student's life!
National Volunteer Week has come and gone, but we will never stop being grateful for our volunteers!
This week, we're shouting out Moussa Ibriham, who has been a longtime supporter of several Elevate programs. As a member of Old National Bank and 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, he has hosted vision trips, served as the keynote speaker for the 2024 Suits & Sneakers, and helped us run our Eastside pipeline's financial literacy program. We are so grateful to have him as part of our Elevate community!
BOARD MEMBER FEATURE: SHADRECK KAMWENDO
We would not be able to successfully transform young lives without our Elevate board! Board members like Shadreck Kamwendo bring diverse experiences and insights to our organization and help us accomplish our mission in the most impactful way possible.
Q: What about the mission of Elevate speaks to you the most?
A: I think it is the 24-hour mentorship that Elevate is able to provide. The Teacher-Mentors are always there for the kids. Whether they are at home or they are on holidays, there is always somebody who cares, somebody who listens to them, an opportunity to guide a future leader and prepare them for the challenges ahead of them in our community.
Q: What would you say is the most important tool Elevate offers students for their postsecondary placement?
A: Most employers are looking for people who stay on the job, the retention. I think Elevate brings that character...Elevate [is] making sure, are you doing things on time, can you get somewhere on time, do you know how to be part of a team...all of this so when our kids leave the program, they have those tools in their pocket and are ready to interact with the world, whether it's college or they're going into a vocation.
Q: How are you looking forward to seeing Elevate grow this year?
A: Continuing to spread awareness of the program as it exists. I'd love to see Elevate in many of our high schools in the Indianapolis area, to make sure that many, many students and families are offered the opportunities, and...to share stories of success.
Shadreck is the Director of Workforce Development at IU Health and a member of Elevate's board for over five years. In his role at IU Health, he has seen many resources aimed at building up crucial skills for success in the workforce. We are grateful for the perspective he brings to our organization as we foster such skills in our students. Thank you, Shadreck, for helping us create impact for the youth of our city!
UPCOMING ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
- 5/8: Site visit @ Arsenal Tech High School, 12:30-1:30PM
- 5/15: Suits & Sneakers; contact
to become a sponsor or volunteer