For many college students, earning a degree is only one part of preparing for a successful career. Navigating the college experience, building professional networks, gaining relevant work experience and understanding how to transition from the classroom to the workforce can be challenging, particularly for first-generation students and those balancing competing responsibilities.
To help students build the skills, connections and confidence needed to succeed, EmployIndy and Chief Deputy Mayor Chris Bailey welcomed over 55 Indy Achieves scholars from Indiana University Indianapolis to the 2026 Indy Achieves Leadership Summit at the Indianapolis Public Library’s Central Library.
Designed as a day of professional development and career exploration, the summit brought together students, employers, community leaders and workforce partners to support scholars as they prepare for internships, careers and long-term success. Participants connected with employers during an internship fair, attended workshops focused on resume writing, financial literacy and professional skills development, and heard from local entrepreneurs and civic leaders during a panel discussion hosted by IndyHub.
A highlight of the event was a visit from Chief Deputy Mayor Chris Bailey, who spoke with students about Indianapolis’ growing job market and the city’s commitment to expanding career opportunities and increasing earning potential for young professionals.
“Events like the leadership summit demonstrate what makes Indy Achieves so impactful,” said Esther Woodson, senior director of Indy Achieves at EmployIndy. “Students need more than financial support to reach their goals. Through one-on-one coaching, career guidance and meaningful connections with employers, we’re helping scholars build confidence, navigate challenges and see a clear pathway from college to a rewarding career in Indianapolis.”
Thank you to IU Indianapolis Foundation and Republic Services/Blue Polymers for your support and for making this opportunity possible.
The summit reflects the broader mission of Indy Achieves, which was launched by Mayor Hogsett in 2018 and is led by EmployIndy. The initiative works to close Indianapolis’ skills gap by expanding access to postsecondary education, eliminating equity gaps and ensuring students have the support and resources needed to earn and complete high-quality credentials.
Student success coaching remains a cornerstone of the program’s impact. Research has shown the coaching model can increase postsecondary retention rates by as much as 13% compared with peers, helping students persist through challenges and stay on track to graduation. Last year, 142 Indy Achieves scholars graduated from IU Indianapolis with coaching and support from the program.
Beyond helping individual students succeed, Indy Achieves strengthens Indianapolis’ talent pipeline and economy. Each year, the initiative generates an estimated annual economic impact of more than $11.8 million through successful postsecondary completion, underscoring the value of investing in student success and workforce readiness.
By connecting scholars with coaching, career development resources and employer relationships, the 2026 Leadership Summit reinforced Indy Achieves’ commitment to helping more Indianapolis students achieve their educational goals and launch successful careers.
