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Throughout their time in Elevate, we aim to provide our students will all the tools they need to graduate and pursue their goals. But adulthood brings new challenges, and the transition can be far from smooth sailing.
Just ask Calvin.
After graduating in 2025, Calvin Washington began taking classes at IU Bloomington. While he is working hard to pursue upward economic mobility, he admits that staying focused has not been easy.
“What’s been different is realizing how much effort it takes every single day to stay motivated and on track, even when things get stressful or overwhelming.”
- Calvin Washington, Class of 2025
With our holistic mentorship model, we strive to continue acting as a resource and support system for alumni like Calvin, empowering them to keep working toward the bright futures they deserve.
Just like our current students, our Elevate alumni are facing unique challenges of all sizes. Luckily, thanks to our holistic, life-on-life mentorship model, our Teacher-Mentors build on the deep, meaningful relationships formed in Elevate to offer further guidance and support where our alumni need them most. As our students leave the classroom and pursue postsecondary paths like college, career, or the military, their Elevate mentors continue to check in, offer resources, and remind them that Elevate always has their back.
Whether it's personal support, financial resources, workforce guidance, or simply a friend to talk to, our Teacher-Mentors and Alumni Coach are dedicated to providing personalized care to help alumni navigate the transition to adulthood, overcome challenges, and pursue upward economic mobility.
The support of his Elevate family has encouraged Calvin to stay focused on his future goals. Today, Calvin is a dedicated Elevate advocate who is determined to pay it forward by inspiring other students to do the same.
"I’d tell students to use their network and keep pushing, even when things don’t go as planned. Adulthood isn’t easy, but staying consistent and pushing through challenges really matters."
- Calvin Washington, Class of 2025
Like Calvin, Elevate alum Mikhail Cole has continued to feel the support and encouragement of his Elevate family.
After graduating in 2025, Mikhail worked to support himself while planning his next steps. He originally planned to go into the trades, but thanks to continued networking opportunities through Elevate, he was connected with Elevate partner Forvis Mazars, where he is now completing an accounting apprenticeship. This apprenticeship has allowed him to pay for daily living costs, alleviating financial stress so he can focus on pursuing his goals, and his Elevate mentors continue to make sure he has what he needs to succeed on his path.
Whatever path our alumni choose, Elevate continues to be there with tools to help them thrive. And, as challenges arise, we are here to encourage and empower them as they work toward a bright, purposeful future.
Most of all, we remind them that they never have to face these challenges alone - after all, once in Elevate, always in Elevate.
"If you work hard enough on how you want your life to turn out you are able to achieve anything in this world, you have to be hardworking and dedicated to wanting to make your dreams and aspirations come true." - Mikhail Cole, Class of 2025
