Business Equity for Indy (BEI) exists to build equity and economic opportunity for the Indy region’s Black residents and people of color. That includes ensuring students of all backgrounds are afforded equal opportunity to achieve a college degree.

A college education remains the most significant predictor of economic mobility, and in order to fulfill their critical missions, our beloved educational institutions must enroll student bodies that reflect the full diversity and richness of our state and local communities.

During the 2023 Indiana legislative session—alongside our government, corporate, community, and academic partners—BEI advocated to reduce racial demographic gaps in postsecondary attainment. We celebrated the passage of legislation on the 21st Century Scholars program as a vital step to address the systemic barriers underrepresented communities face and foster inclusive learning spaces.

This work must continue, and we stand with those ready to support diverse representation in higher education, which benefits all Hoosier students and communities.