“This program has really pushed me to become what I always knew I could become. It gave me the insight and just gave me the fuel to keep pushing towards my goals and just making sure that I always kept the promises that I made to myself.”
On March 27, 2026, Shawn Pimpton shared these words with community leaders, partners, families, and other graduates of the Indy Parks Corps at the Frederick Douglass Family Center. The Indy Parks Corps is an 11-week workforce training program preparing Indianapolis youth for careers in public service. This event celebrated the fourth cohort with six young people completing the program.
This wasn’t just a graduation. It was proof of what can happen when a city invests in its young people and people show up for them.
Building a Stronger Workforce — One Opportunity at a Time
Through initiatives like YES Indy, EmployIndy focuses on meeting young people where they are—especially those facing barriers to employment or education—and connecting them to a path forward. EmployIndy’s strong partnerships with organizations like Edna Martin Christian Center that led this cohort are essential in building the trust and connection to truly empower our program participants to reach their goals.
“Together, we’re strengthening our neighborhoods and dismantling barriers so all young people are equitably empowered to build and advance their careers. The success of this program reinforces what we know. Investing in young people just works,” said Ken Clark, president and CEO of EmployIndy.
In 2025, 681 young people participated in YES Indy services. More than half transitioned into education, credential training, or career pathways—generating $17.1 million in community impact. YES Indy connects young adults to training and opportunities in health care, advanced manufacturing, and construction.
Launched in August 2024, the Indy Parks Corps training program was created through a partnership between EmployIndy, the City of Indianapolis, Indy Parks & Recreation, Congressman André Carson’s office, and community partners like the Edna Martin Christian Center.
Indy Parks Corps was designed as an earn-and-learn model and aligned with the YES Indy program, giving young adults ages 18–24 the opportunity to gain paid, hands-on experience while building career-ready skills.
Over the course of 11 weeks, participants prepare for careers in public safety, environmental education, recreation, and community engagement. The program mixes job readiness training with real-world work. Participants aren’t just learning. They’re doing the work and earning income and professional certifications.
Since its launch, 32 young people have completed the program, gaining workforce skills, a clearer sense of direction, and deeper connection to community. Past participants have secured employment with organizations like Indy Animal Care Services, the Indianapolis Zoo, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, and even returned to serve as program leaders with Edna Martin Christian Center.
For Aniyah Cottingham, a past participant, Indy Parks Corps was a turning point. She shared, “a year ago, I was not in a great place. Three months after moving into my apartment, I did nothing but go to work, come home, and grow to resent the empty walls that surrounded me.”
She joined the program to explore opportunities that aligned with her interest in environmental conservation. Today, Aniyah supports fellow participants as part of the program team at Edna Martin Christian Center and is planning to continue her education studying anthropology.
Learning and Making a Difference
For this recent group of six young adults, the experience strengthened their professional skills and their sense of purpose.
Participants contributed their time and talent across Indianapolis—working at Eagle Creek Park, Riverside Park, Windsor Village, Indy Urban Acres, and Henry Blair Farm. Along the way, they did everything from supporting Indy Parks’ food access initiatives, assisting with park operations, and engaging directly with community members.
“With hands-on experiences like delivering food pantry assistance to some of our neighbors, after-school food service for youth, trail maintenance, and even feeding the owls and eagles, they got to see how what they do every day can impact their neighbors,” said Marguerite Webb, chief strategy officer for Indy Parks and Recreation.
Participants earned certifications in CPR, Stop the Bleed, and Mental Health First Aid—skills that extend beyond the workplace.
While the program strengthens career pathways, its impact is often deeply personal.
Before job-oriented training, many participants shared that they first had to confront internal challenges, learning how to navigate stress, build confidence, and reframe their futures.
“We first had to address the work we had to do within ourselves,” shared graduate Sean Pimpton. “During our first few weeks of being in attendance, we were introduced to many healthy mental health skills and habits, such as breathing exercises, physical activities, and verbal conversations that, if used, can be a redirection for unwanted emotions and behaviors.”
Through mental health support, peer connection, and guided reflection, participants found a sense of belonging and community.
“This staff and cohort has been the village that I always needed,” said graduate Jermani Grimes. “And throughout these 11 weeks, I’ve seen a massive change in all of us. We are more attentive and thoughtful. We are more honest and open, and most importantly, we are more educated and prepared.”
As part of the celebration, Alexus Moore from Edna Martin Christian Center spoke about each student’s unique achievements and progress through the program as they received their certificate of completion. The authentic connection she made with each of these young people was evident. The room filled with emotion, people fighting back tears and sporadic shouts of encouragement.
For the young people graduating, the celebration marked both an ending and a beginning. A transition into new opportunities, new goals, and new possibilities. For Indianapolis, it’s a glimpse of what’s possible when young people are invested in and they choose to invest in themselves.
Get Involved: Invest in the Next Generation of Talent
Programs like the Indy Parks Cohort are building a pipeline of motivated, trained, and resilient young talent ready to contribute to Indianapolis’ workforce.
The impact of Indy Parks Corps will not be long-lasting unless employers step in. Companies and organizations are needed to continue this work by offering job opportunities, hosting work-based learning experiences, or partnering to expand training pathways.
By engaging with programs like YES Indy, employers can access emerging talent while helping shape a stronger, more inclusive workforce for our city.
If you are an employer, connect with EmployIndy to explore partnership opportunities that align with your workforce needs.
Be part of what comes next for Indy.
