Indianapolis, Indiana – The University of Indianapolis is set to play a central role in a groundbreaking new initiative aimed at boosting student achievement and career readiness, following a major collaboration with Perry Township Schools. The partnership comes as Perry Township receives a $40 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., marking a significant investment in the future of education on Indianapolis’ south side. A substantial portion of the funding will support the construction of a new innovation facility on the UIndy campus, while also anchoring the expansion of Perry Township’s entrepreneurship graduation pathway, providing high school students with direct access to university-level learning environments.
“We are excited to partner with Perry Township Schools for this grant,” said University of Indianapolis President Tanuja Singh. “UIndy is deeply invested in improving outcomes for students at every level of education and developing the next generation of Hoosier dreamers and thinkers who will solve the problems of tomorrow. I believe this collaboration serves as a model for how higher education institutions and K-12 schools can work together to expand opportunity, strengthen the state’s talent pipeline and transform student outcomes across Indiana.”
The grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. is part of Phase 3 of the Marion County K-12 Public Schools Initiative, which has awarded 34 large-scale implementation grants designed to enhance academic achievement and post-secondary success for students across Indianapolis. The program emphasizes innovative approaches that connect K-12 students with real-world experiences, supporting them as they prepare for college, career, and life beyond the classroom.
“Thanks to this life changing funding, Perry Township Schools will be able to strengthen partnerships with local organizations and businesses—like University of Indianapolis—to enhance student learning. Through our collaboration with UIndy, our students will receive a unique learning experience, immersed in a real-world, career focused learning environment that will inspire them to reach new heights,” said Perry Township Schools Superintendent Dr. Patrick Spray. “This partnership ensures that our students can not only dream big but also have the tools and resources needed to achieve those dreams. None of this would be possible without the generosity of Lilly Endowment Inc., and for that, we are beyond grateful.”
At the heart of the initiative is the new innovation facility, which will serve as a hub for creativity, entrepreneurship, and hands-on learning. While the building itself will provide modern classrooms and collaborative spaces, its broader goal is to integrate university-level resources into K-12 education, giving students exposure to higher education early in their academic careers. The facility is expected to become a place where students can engage with real-world challenges, work alongside university mentors, and develop skills that will prepare them for the workforce of tomorrow.
Beyond the construction of the facility, the grant will address multiple areas of academic and professional growth. Perry Township Schools plans to use funding to close the mathematics achievement gap, expand career experience opportunities for K-8 students, and cultivate teacher excellence through professional development programs. By supporting both students and educators, the initiative seeks to create a sustainable ecosystem of learning that extends far beyond a single campus or school year.
The collaboration represents a unique alignment between a higher education institution and a public school district. By pairing the resources and expertise of the University of Indianapolis with Perry Township’s student population, the program aims to create a replicable model for K-12 partnerships statewide. Both institutions emphasize that this is not simply about facilities, but about transforming the learning experience to ensure students are better equipped for success in college, career, and beyond.
“This grant allows us to think differently about what students can achieve when they are exposed to new opportunities, mentorship, and advanced resources,” Singh added. “It is a chance to expand horizons, inspire curiosity, and give students the confidence and skills to innovate and lead in a rapidly changing world.”
The announcement comes amid growing recognition of the importance of early career readiness initiatives and hands-on learning opportunities. By connecting students directly with university faculty, entrepreneurial programs, and professional mentors, the partnership aims to help young Hoosiers develop critical problem-solving abilities, creativity, and a sense of purpose that will serve them throughout their educational journey.
The University of Indianapolis and Perry Township Schools note that further details regarding the timeline, design, and programming of the innovation facility will be shared as planning progresses. For now, both institutions are focused on building momentum, ensuring that students benefit as soon as possible from the transformative potential of this collaboration.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
Founded in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation with a mission to support community development, education, and religion. Although it remains financially tied to the stock gifts from its founders, the Endowment operates as a separate entity with its own governing board, staff, and offices. The foundation funds programs across the United States, with a special commitment to Indianapolis and the state of Indiana, reflecting the wishes of its founders to strengthen their home communities.
With the support of Lilly Endowment Inc., University of Indianapolis and Perry Township Schools are poised to reshape K-12 education on the south side of Indianapolis, demonstrating the impact that well-resourced partnerships can have on student achievement, career readiness, and long-term community development.
