When Kelin Peraza-Argueta arrived at Indiana University Indianapolis as a freshman, she carried the weight of being the first in her family to attend college. 

A graduate of North Central High School and the daughter of Salvadoran immigrants, Kelin studies philanthropic leadership and plans to earn certificates in philanthropic fundraising and nonprofit management. She works part time at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, balances a retail job, and leads a youth advocacy group on campus. Much of her income supports her family and herself, contributing to groceries, rent, and day-to-day expenses. 

“I work nonstop,” Kelin says. “But I think I got my hardworking mentality from my parents.” 

Her parents’ journey to the United States from El Salvador helped shape her own path. Leaving a world they knew, they sought opportunity and stability for their family. That sacrifice and drive fuels Kelin’s determination but being a first-generation college student also brings uncertainty. 

“It was intimidating,” she says. “I didn’t have anyone in my immediate circle who had been through the college experience before.” 

A community that shows up 

As an Indy Achieves scholar, Kelin received more than financial assistance. There was now a community and support system that connected her to resources and helped her feel she belonged. 

Launched by Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett in 2018 and housed at EmployIndy, Indy Achieves helps close Indianapolis’ skills gap by expanding access to education, eliminating equity gaps, and ensuring students have the tools they need to earn their degrees. 

Through Indy Achieves’ student success coaching model, Kelin’s coach, Ren, became a trusted guide. Ren’s office became a space where Kelin could ask questions she did not know who else to ask, from college expectations to navigating campus, building a career and finding her place. 

“I had a lot of questions,” Kelin says. “Ren helped me figure things out in a way that made me feel confident.” 

With Ren’s support, Kelin connected to campus resources, built community, and established her academic and professional goals. Together, they spent hours mapping out what a career in philanthropy could look like. 

“She was willing to just sit down with me,” Kelin says. “She wants to see me succeed and thrive.” 

Opening doors through connection 

Beyond emotional and academic support, Indy Achieves helped turn Kelin’s goals into action. Ren connected her to networking and job-shadowing opportunities, particularly within Indianapolis’ Latino professional community and the philanthropic sector. 

Those introductions provided access Kelin had never had before. 

“It made a huge difference to spend time with influential people and learn from their experiences,” she says. “It helped me see that I really can do this.” 

Today, Kelin is building a resume aligned with her goals. She plans to complete an internship each year of college, maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA, and ultimately secure a job that empowers her community and drives meaningful change. 

More than financial aid 

For Kelin, the combination of funding and coaching through Indy Achieves has helped her persist and thrive.  

“Indy Achieves is meant for people like me,” she says. “Maybe you’re the first in your family to go to college, or you can’t afford it, or you’re facing barriers. This is a community that exists to support you.” 

The model delivers results. Indy Achieves’ coaching approach has increased postsecondary retention by up to 13% compared to peers. In 2024, the initiative supported 2,224 scholars, an investment projected to generate $11.8 million in annual economic impact once students complete their programs. 

Carrying her family forward 

Kelin’s motivation remains deeply personal. Her father encourages her to seize every opportunity so she will not struggle the way he did without access to higher education. Even so, she draws strength from his example. 

“People say the American dream is dead,” Kelin says. “But I think it’s only dead if you don’t fight for it. If you’re willing to put in the work and fight for things to be different, you can make it happen.” 

For Kelin, Indy Achieves is helping her and her family fight for that dream. 

Ready to achieve your goals? Learn more about scholarships and coaching through Indy Achieves at indyachieves.org.