On Wednesday, August 20, EmployIndy and Indy Achieves hosted the 2025 Indy Achieves Leadership Summit, welcoming 50 postsecondary students from IU Indianapolis and Ivy Tech Community College. Attendees engaged with local professionals, received resume and interview support, explored local internship opportunities, and attended workshops focused on personal finance, mental health, pursuing a graduate degree, and building a career within the healthcare industry. 

A highlight of the event was a visit from Mayor Joe Hogsett, who spoke about Indianapolis’s growing job market and the city’s commitment to expanding career opportunities and earning potential for young professionals. 

Indy Achieves, launched by Mayor Hogsett in 2018 and housed at EmployIndy, aims to close the city’s skills gap by increasing the number of residents with high-quality credentials to 65% by 2027. The initiative also works to eliminate attainment gaps for minority students by promoting access to financial aid, offering Promise Scholarships and Completion Grants, and providing wraparound support services for Marion County students. 

“Indy Achieves exists because we know that talent is everywhere—but opportunity isn’t,” said Marie Mackintosh, president and CEO of EmployIndy. “That’s why we’re committed to removing barriers, investing in student success, and making sure every Indianapolis resident has the chance to earn a credential, complete a degree, and pursue a career that leads to economic prosperity.” 

In 2024, 2,224 Indy Achieves Scholars received coaching and support, with an estimated annual economic impact of $11.8 million upon successful postsecondary completion. A feature of the initiative, the student success coaching model has boosted postsecondary retention by up to 13% compared to peers. 

To learn more or get involved, visit www.indyachieves.org.