BREAKING RECORDS & TRANSFORMING LIVES WITH ELEVATE
With our Vision Breakfast right around the corner (still a few spots remaining to sign up), we are in the beauties of fall.
In our 10th year of impact, I’m thrilled to be able to watch another school year launch smoothly at our great partner schools. Due to a record-setting 135+ seniors in the Class of 2025, this year, we’ve pivoted to a stronger focus on serving our Elevate seniors, starting with our Class of 2026.
As you have seen through our social media and email updates, we have doubled our mentorship efforts for Elevate seniors, starting in July, in order to place more emphasis on our 2025-2026 senior class. This was, by far, our largest senior class yet, and we are dedicated to meeting the needs of our growing numbers!
I’m also thrilled to share that our last IPS senior who wasn’t quite ready to graduate in May completed his coursework in late September, just in time to make the October graduation. This student will still be considered a 2025 graduate, bringing our graduation rate from 99% to 100% for the Class of 2025!
As you know, every student doesn’t start at the same place and journeys can look different depending on many circumstances beyond their control. We couldn’t be prouder of this student overcoming his unique challenges to reach this incredible achievement!
Many people ask, "Where they are now, though?" Previously, we have never had staff designated to alumni, though our annual metrics reflect strong alumni support and impact over the years. Our whole staff makes efforts to keep the alumni close, living out our mantra, “Once in Elevate, always in Elevate.”
However, after the full national study of best practices for alumni by Dr. Amy Sherman and the Sagamore Institute, we have continued to expand our focus on alumni care, thanks to our Transformational Leadership & Alumni Mentor. We are already seeing the short-term results since expanding our efforts, and we expect even more impact over the next year.
And if you haven’t already been following our new 10th Anniversary Alumni Podcast series, we recently released our second episode. Watch to hear Te’Niah’s story of overcoming challenges, finding community support, and defining what it means to thrive as a young adult in Indianapolis.
I know you will be inspired by these stories of alumni growth as we head into our season of giving!
Serving with you,
Aaron Story
CEO & President, Elevate Indianapolis
