INDIANAPOLIS — A new collaborative has been established with a $400,000 grant to reengage “opportunity youth” in Central Indiana. EmployIndy estimates that in Indianapolis, more than 30,000 people, ages 16-24, are not employed or enrolled. The collaborative is the first initiative of the Community Leadership Innovation Fund, a fund at Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) comprised of five philanthropic leaders — Lori Efroymson-Aguilera, Marianne Glick, Myrta Pulliam, Cindy Simon Skjodt, Charlie Sutphin — and three foundations—CICF, represented by Greg Hahn; The Indianapolis Foundation, represented by Milt Thompson; and Hamilton County Community Foundation, represented by Jay Merrell.
Five organizations reengaging opportunity youth will receive grants and participate in the Opportunity Youth Collaborative:
• EmployIndy — Youth Employment System Indy Reengagement Centers-YES Indy REC
• Indiana Black Expo — Re-engagement through the arts Martin Luther King Center
• Groundwork Indy — In-school Green Team at Arsenal Tech High School
• Hamilton County Youth Assistance Program — scaling program evaluation
The Opportunity Youth Collaborative marks the first grant awarded by the Community Leadership Innovation Fund. The Fund advisors will award a significant grant annually in support of unique solutions to a current, pressing issue in Central Indiana. Advisors represent both Marion and Hamilton counties and commit their personal dollars to this effort.