BUILDING CHARACTER IN & OUT OF THE CLASSROOM
This month, our students took their character and life skills training from the classroom to the court at our annual 3v3 basketball tournament.
As they took to the court last Monday, our students spent the day in a safe, supportive environment where they demonstrated skills like communication, critical thinking, conflict resolution, and more. This is the goal of our Sports & Adventure mentorship model - to offer unique yet practical settings for students to demonstrate the critical life skills they're learning from their Teacher-Mentors.
For many Elevate students, Sports & Adventure also offers first-time experiences of otherwise unavailable activities. By opening these doors, we aim to empower students to take healthy risks, step outside their comfort zone, and discover their limitless potential.
Thank you to everyone who supported this afternoon of teamwork, excitement, and friendly competition. Because of you, our students are finding the confidence to thrive in new settings and learning what they are capable of.
Check out this month's blog post to hear more about the impact of our Sports & Adventure model.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: LENEX STEEL
Lenex Steel has served as volunteer referees, food servers, and more for the last three 3v3 tournaments. We are so grateful for their dedication to our mission of building up the city's youth through sports. This event would not be complete without them!
"Working with Elevate Indy has shown our team the power of consistent, intentional mentorship. It’s very obvious that their logo, “No one gets there Alone” isn’t just a saying. They actually build the support systems that make success possible for the kids they work with daily. We are honored to serve beside them."
- Mandy Hanavan, Lenex Steel
ELEVATE INDY ADVOCATES
We had a full house of in-class speakers this month!
Thank you to all of the incredible professionals who shared their passion and industry insights with our students:
- Casey Crouse, CEO of New Shoe Day
- Kristopher D. Loving, Sr., Chaplain & Division I Basketball Official
- George Kirch, Senior Associate with Centerfield Capital Partners
- Trilanda Kei Colbert, Certified Integrative Nutrition Coach & Founder of Kei2Health
By sharing your experiences, you are inspiring the next generation to pursue their goals. Thank you for exposing our students to new possibilities for postsecondary success.
Thank you to the incredible community partners who participated in our Trades Fair this month and shared potential career opportunities with our students:
- ServPro Team Olson
- Fellowship of the Christian Athletes
- Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center
- Shepard Community Center
- OneAmerica
- Lenex Steel
- Indy Achieves
- Dream Alive
Thanks to you, our students can explore future careers, discover their passions, and begin planning for the bright futures they deserve.
ENGAGE WITH ELEVATE:
Together, we can transform the lives of our city's youth. Tap below to learn how you can engage with Elevate and support the underserved youth of our community.
- April 9th & 22nd: Attend our site visit at Purdue Polytechnic High School OR at Theodore Potter Elementary School
- April 21st & 23rd: Become a guest speaker and offer an inside look at what the professional world can look like
- April 22nd: Serve alongside our students on our Earth Day service learning experience
- May 14th: Become a volunteer or sponsor at our distinguished Suits & Sneakers event
- June 12th: Spend a day on the green with the Elevate community at our Fellowship on the Fairways golf outing
STAFF SPOTLIGHT: KENNEDIE RUSH
How long have you worked with Elevate?
I have worked with Elevate for 1 year and 4 months.
What about Elevate's mission speaks to you?
In regards to Elevate's mission of "No one gets there alone," it reminds me that life does not have to be, [nor] should it be, a solo journey. Often times, people state [that] the best part about reaching your destination is the journey. What if along that journey, you pick up lifelong mentors? Elevate's mission embodies that saying and reminds me that I am often times a part of a student's journey.
What are you looking forward to working with Elevate in 2026?
I am looking forward to our PPHS seniors getting accepted into their dream schools, obtaining wonderful work opportunities, and/or beginning their journey in the trades. I also am excited to see them graduate and walk across the stage!
What would you tell someone who is considering engaging with Elevate this year?
Anyone considering engaging with Elevate, I would tell them to expect an impactful, entertaining time. Our students have changed my heart for the better [through] brief, impactful encounters, so they should prepare for that.
