FUTURE CENTERS

Organization name: Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS)

Program Type

Mentoring and career navigation programs
Leadership skills & college/career prep programs

Ages Served:

12-18 Years
19-25 Years

Overview

Brief Program Summary: Launched in Fall 2018, the Future Centers are physical spaces and serve as school-based advising centers where students can define their college and career plans, and receive guidance and support to execute them. Future Center staff partner with their school’s traditional academic counselors and are equipped with educators focused solely on assisting students with developing and executing post-secondary plans. The High School Future Centers are designed to help IPS students take the steps needed to successfully transition to Enrollment, Enlistment or Employment upon graduation. Students can avail themselves to valuable support services in the areas of college- and career-readiness skill building, mentoring, technical assistance, and more. Featuring the latest technology, strong support from collegiate and corporate partners, and knowledgeable and friendly staff, the Future Center and its resources are available to scholars throughout their high school experience and during their journey through college or early years in the workforce. Services include: – Mentoring: Individualized or group mentoring sessions offer students support during their high school years to help them overcome any social and emotional hurdles they encounter. – Interview Training: Mock interviews, through one-on-one or group training, help students prepare for upcoming job or college/military interviews by perfecting skills and providing valuable feedback. – College Application Support: Staff provides students with assistance in understanding and completing financial-aid forms and scholarship applications, and researching additional ways to make college affordable and attainable. – Tutoring: Whether students are preparing for college essays, the ACT or SAT, or just need additional support, tutoring in math and writing are provided to foster greater understanding and mastery of core curriculum.
Success Metrics: Future Center staff partner with their school’s traditional academic counselors and are equipped with educators focused solely on assisting students with developing and executing post-secondary plans.

Demographics

Number Served & Racial Distribution:

Total Number of Individuals Annually Served

5,200

Black or African Americans Annually Served

41%

Hispanic or Latinos Annually Served

32%

Geographic Scope:

− Central Indiana Counties: Marion
− Additional/Other Areas of Focus: N/A

Resources

Annual Operating Cost: $550,000
Initial Start-Up Cost: $2.7 million

Contact Information

Organization Name: Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS)
Website: https://myips.org/
Respondents Name: Jennifer O’Shea
Email: osheaj@myips.org
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