Indy Standard

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is one of six school districts in Marion County awarded planning grants aimed at boosting college enrollment. These grants are part of the College Matters initiative by the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation.

The $20,000 grant will aid IPS staff in creating a four-year plan to encourage more students to pursue higher education. As part of this effort, the district will collaborate with national research firm Mathematica to identify effective strategies for increasing college enrollment.

The College Matters initiative, backed by $15 million from the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, aims to improve college enrollment rates among high school seniors in Marion County. The focus is particularly on students who are less likely to attend college, such as those from low-income backgrounds and Black, Hispanic, and Latino communities.

High school students encounter various challenges when considering higher education. These include accessing preparatory coursework, exploring career options, and securing financial aid. Without adequate support and resources, these challenges can become barriers that prevent students from applying to and enrolling in college. This situation exacerbates existing racial and socioeconomic disparities in education and contributes to talent shortages in the Indianapolis region.

In 2023, IPS received $240,000 from the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation under the College Matters: Meeting the Moment program. This funding enabled IPS to employ a district college specialist tasked with increasing college applications, FAFSA submissions, 21st Century Scholar completion rates, and summer melt activities.