About Education

At the forefront of its mission, IPA seeks to advance the educational aspirations and capacity of African American and other minority youth and families across Indianapolis. An ardent supporter of youth, IPA provides critical educational resources that help make college an achievable reality for a brighter future.

The Achievement Awards was created in 1987 to address a specific need in the community.  It was discovered that no other local organization celebrated the academic achievement of local African American students who had qualified for the National Merit or National Achievement programs. Initially held on the campus of Butler University, the event transitioned to IUPUI. Over the course of the 34-year history of the Achievement Awards, IPA has provided over 700 Book Awards in the amount of $500.00 to meriting high school seniors. Because of the recurring interest and enthusiasm surrounding our Annual Achievement Awards, it became one of IPA’s major standing events.

IPA presented its first Youth Empowerment Breakfast in 1988 out of IPA’s deep concern to recognize many of the local organizations, groups and individuals, including youth and volunteers, who work with our youth.  The Youth Empowerment Breakfast honors community organizations, individual citizens, and youth who are making a significant impact by serving youth in the greater Indianapolis area along with applauding those youth who have achieved in spite of adverse circumstances.  In 2016, the Youth Empowerment Breakfast and the Achievement Awards Breakfast were combined. 

IPA has partnered with numerous local community-based organizations to expand its reach and impact in the Indianapolis community. A longstanding partnership with the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) provides mentorship to Achievement Award honorees. In partnership with Women & Hi-Tech, students have received a complimentary membership to the STEM-focused organization which engage both female STEM professionals and girls who aspire and/or pursue STEM careers. Additionally, an intentional partnership with Outreach, Inc., allows IPA to provide commendation and a Book Award are provided to local youth who have displayed scholastic success while grappling with homelessness and other unplanned, challenging obstacles. 

Over the past five years, the Education Task Force of IPA has hosted a “Meet and Greet” event for the Achievement Awardees and their parents prior to the Breakfast to provide valuable information to the honorees and their families regarding financial aid, scholarships, and what to expect as an undergraduate. IPA is currently in the planning stages of developing The Resources Extended to Assist our College Honorees (R.E.A.C.H.) program to connect each honoree with a local mentor and to allow the honorees access to jobs, internships, scholarships, and volunteer opportunities through our partner organizations. Additionally, honorees will have the opportunity to network among themselves and share information, expertise, and insights.