Indianapolis, Indiana – Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) has taken a bold step toward reimagining the educational experience for its students by launching a dynamic new partnership with the Big Ten Conference. The announcement came to life at James Russell Lowell School 51, a Montessori school, where students, staff, and Big Ten representatives gathered to celebrate a milestone that promises to transform the way young learners engage with sports, academics, and higher education opportunities.
The kickoff event marked the unveiling of a new outdoor basketball and pickleball court, providing a vibrant space for physical activity, teamwork, and skill-building. But the initiative goes far beyond just athletics. Through classroom partnerships with student-athletes from each Big Ten university, students will develop connections to collegiate programs, explore the culture and traditions of their assigned schools, and see firsthand that a path to higher education can begin right in elementary school.
“This partnership with the Big Ten is a powerful example of how IPS is reimagining what’s possible for our students,” said IPS Superintendent Dr. Aleesia Johnson. “It’s about access, inspiration, and building connections to a future in higher education that starts right here in elementary school.”
Over the past two years, IPS has been steadily building momentum with the Big Ten Conference and the College Football Playoff Foundation, renovating elementary school media centers across the district. These upgraded spaces have provided students with modern learning environments, fostering literacy, engagement, and a love for reading. The latest initiative at Lowell School 51 continues this trajectory by blending academic enrichment with athletic inspiration.
The specifics of the partnership at James Russell Lowell School 51 are designed to be immersive and engaging. Students will participate in a series of classroom collaborations, where each classroom is paired with a student-athlete from one of the Big Ten universities. As part of this connection, classrooms will display the colors of their assigned school throughout the year, and students will receive team t-shirts to celebrate their partnerships—like black and gold for those paired with Purdue University. These visible markers of school pride are intended to build excitement, motivation, and a sense of belonging among young learners.
Beyond classroom interactions, students will have opportunities to attend Big Ten championship events, including football, women’s basketball, and rowing competitions. Principal Christine Rembert has also developed a range of ways for college athletes to engage with students both in-person and virtually. These experiences are designed to inspire students, provide mentorship, and give them early exposure to the world of higher education in a tangible, memorable way.
The Big Ten has chosen Indianapolis as a central hub for championship events, further strengthening the connection between the city and collegiate athletics. Over the coming year, Indianapolis will host several major postseason competitions, including the football conference championship, indoor track and field championships, the women’s basketball tournament, and the rowing finals. By spotlighting the city, the conference aims to highlight Indianapolis as a center of sports excellence while also fostering meaningful community engagement.
“Indianapolis has always welcomed the Big Ten with open arms, and this partnership is another example of our promise to leave a positive mark on the city,” said Omar Brown, Big Ten senior vice president of community and impact. “This initiative will connect our student-athletes with young people in the city, promote health and well-being, and provide opportunities for enrichment throughout the year.”
The program is carefully designed to enhance student engagement, encouraging participation in extracurricular activities and fostering school pride. Administrators hope that these initiatives will improve attendance, strengthen positive behavior, and reduce the incidence of out-of-school suspensions. By integrating athletic inspiration with academic support and real-world experiences, IPS aims to create a more vibrant and holistic learning environment for elementary students.
“Our students are beyond excited,” said Principal Christine Rembert. “This partnership brings energy to our school community, connects students to something bigger, and shows them that college is within reach. We’re proud to lead the way.”
As IPS continues to grow its relationship with the Big Ten, the collaboration promises to extend well beyond the walls of Lowell School 51. District leaders are exploring ways to expand similar partnerships to other schools, ensuring that students throughout Indianapolis have access to mentorship, enrichment, and the kind of hands-on learning experiences that can spark long-term academic and personal growth.
In the coming months, students at Lowell School 51 will start to see the results of this ambitious program. From outdoor courts buzzing with activity to classrooms filled with collegiate spirit, the initiative seeks to inspire, motivate, and prepare students for a future where college and career readiness are within reach. By combining athletics, academics, and real-world engagement, IPS and the Big Ten are setting a new standard for how elementary education can open doors, build confidence, and foster lifelong learning.
This partnership reflects a growing trend in education where schools, athletic organizations, and communities work together to create opportunities that extend far beyond traditional classroom instruction. For IPS, the launch of this program is a statement of commitment: to invest in students, to build connections, and to reimagine what is possible for young learners in Indianapolis today.
