Focus Area

Education

Education Opens Doors

A good education creates new possibilities. Yet in Indianapolis and across the state, many K-12 students do not pass subjects like math and English. As a result, some Hoosiers graduate from high school unprepared for college or in-demand careers. Meanwhile, employers struggle to find skilled talent to fill available jobs. 

Our Goal

Improve student academic outcomes and address the workforce skills gap.

Our Strategies

  • Implement evidence-based and promising approaches that enable students to successfully prepare for and enroll in college.
  • Support the successful design and implementation of the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway, Indiana’s new professional education and training pathway.

Education Data That Drives Us

16.7%

In 2025, 16.7% of Marion County 11th graders met SAT college-readiness benchmarks in both math and reading and writing.

47.1%

Just 47.1% of Marion County’s 2023 high school graduates enrolled in college within one year of graduation.

Grant Inquiry Process

Grant Inquiry Process

If you are interested in inquiring about a potential grant, start by reviewing our eligibility requirements. You may also wish to review the list of previous grants awarded in the Education focus area.

Read About the Inquiry Process

Key Education Initiatives and Grants

CEMETS iLab Indiana

Inspired by Switzerland’s world-renowned vocational and professional education and training system, the Fairbanks Foundation is leading CEMETS iLab Indiana, a statewide coalition building the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway. INCAP works alongside the high school-to-college pathway, offering a new way for Hoosier high schoolers and adults to access education and training and for businesses to build a skilled workforce.

Learn More

College Matters

College Matters is a $14 million initiative to boost college enrollment among Marion County seniors, especially for students less likely to enroll in college. Grants enable schools and community organizations to support students and their families as they navigate the process of exploring, enrolling in, and financing college.

See Details

Recent Education Research and Data

Research & Insights

Browse All Education Reports

Interactive Data Graphs

We collect and publish data to provide a comprehensive look at education systems from early childhood to college and beyond, both in Indianapolis and statewide. Use the Community Data Snapshot to access valuable information that supports informed decision-making and strategic planning.

Explore Education Data

Education: Our Latest Efforts

2020 - 2024
$0M
in total grants
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grants
Our Funding Process
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reports
Browse Education Reports
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covenings
How We Collaborate

Grantee Work in Action

Supporting FAFSA Completion

Through College Matters: Meeting the Moment, grantees are providing targeted FAFSA assistance – from personalized guidance to events – to help students meet Indiana’s new FAFSA requirement and take a critical step toward college enrollment.

Read Full Story

Training Hoosiers in Advanced Manufacturing

Catapult Indiana is a paid training program that teaches students about advanced manufacturing and logistics through classroom work and hands-on experience. An initiative of Conexus Indiana, Catapult gives students the skills they need to succeed.

Watch the Video
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