Indy Standard

The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation has awarded the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) Foundation a $1.5 million grant to support college-enrollment initiatives at Arsenal Tech High School, as part of the district’s “College Matters: Reversing the Trend” proposal.

This grant is part of a broader effort by the Fairbanks Foundation to increase college enrollment rates across Marion County. IPS is among five Marion County school districts that received grants.

Starting with the 2024-25 school year, the $1.5 million grant will enable IPS to implement a four-year plan aimed at increasing college enrollment among students at Arsenal Tech. Part of the funding will also be dedicated to developing a long-term sustainability plan. The grant will support initiatives helping students overcome barriers such as limited access to college-preparatory coursework, uncertainty about career options, and challenges in securing financial aid.

Students from low-income households, as well as Black, Hispanic, and Latino students, are particularly at risk of being left behind, said Melody Coryell, the district’s executive director of postsecondary readiness.

“Preparing Arsenal Tech students for college is crucial because it empowers them to break through barriers, pursue their dreams, and contribute meaningfully to our community,” she said. “By providing them with the resources and support they need, we are not just opening doors to higher education — we are helping each and every student achieve their goal for a fulfilling life.”

While over half of the students graduating from Tech report through the Senior Survey that they will go to college after graduation, fewer than 25 percent of those students enroll in the first semester of college classes.

“IPS seeks to reverse this trend and ensure that Tech students have the resources and support they need to explore college options, enroll in college, and understand how to afford their postsecondary educational aspirations,” Coryell said.

The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation’s investment in IPS is part of a larger $10 million fund dedicated to helping local school districts overcome the challenges that prevent students from enrolling in college. By focusing on long-term strategies and providing targeted support, the Foundation aims to close the education gap and ensure more students can pursue higher education.

This grant will build upon the district’s plan to enhance post-high school opportunities. During the 2024-2025 school year, IPS is implementing major changes to expand Future Centers across all district-managed high schools.

These centers will be offering comprehensive support through dedicated staff, including Postsecondary Readiness Counselors, College Specialists, and Work-Based Learning Coordinators, to ensure every student is prepared for their chosen path — whether it’s enrollment in higher education, employment or enlistment.