Program Type
Work-based learning programs
Ages Served:
19-25 Years
Overview
Brief Program Summary: The Mind Trust’s Charter and Innovation School Fellowships provide
an opportunity for entrepreneurial, high-performing educators to spend one to two years
developing a school model and launching a Charter School or Innovation Network School in
Indianapolis at the conclusion of their Fellowship. The Mind Trust provides Fellows with
compensation and benefits, significant support and professional development, and opportunities
to learn from high-performing leaders locally, nationally, and globally. While the Fellowship is not
limited to leaders of color, The Mind Trust places significant value on recruiting leaders of color
given the importance for Indianapolis students to see people who look like them in leadership
roles.
The Mind Trust’s Fellowships began in 2014 and have changed over time based on feedback
from school leaders, the needs of IPS, and the shifts in Indianapolis’ education landscape. The
Mind Trust will continue to evaluate the Fellowship annually and incorporate feedback and
lessons learned in order to ensure we are providing leaders with an exceptional experience that
results in the launch of equitable and high-quality schools. We anticipate that the Fellowship will
continue to result in the launch of autonomous schools in Indianapolis and serving more students.
Success Metrics: The Mind Trust measures the effectiveness of the Charter and Innovation
School Fellowships based on improved academic outcomes at charter and Innovation Network
Schools and increased enrollment within Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) boundaries. For
example, more students attend a school within IPS boundaries today than at any time since 1993
which is a direct result of increased enrollment at charter and Innovation Network Schools
launched through support from The Mind Trust. Additionally, each Fellow is provided with metrics
that are specific to their timeline for opening a school, the type of school they are opening, and
their experience. All Fellows are required to apply for a charter with the Mayor’s Office of
Education Innovation (Mayor’s Office), create and execute upon a community engagement plan,
and meet Fellow-specific metrics that include identifying curriculum, creating a budget, and setting
enrollment targets.
Demographics
Number Served & Racial Distribution:
Total Number of Individuals Annually Served
37
Black or African Americans Annually Served
57%
Hispanic or Latinos Annually Served
5%
Geographic Scope:
− Central Indiana Counties: Marion
− Additional/Other Areas of Focus: N/A
Resources
Annual Operating Cost: $1,250,000
Initial Start-Up Cost: $140,000
Contact Information
Organization Name: The Mind Trust
Website: https://www.themindtrust.org/
Respondents Name: Lauren Rush
Email: lrush@themindtrust.org