Starfish Initiative

"Our scholars didn’t get here alone, and this night is about recognizing the mentors, families, and community who helped make it possible.

We’re proud of the Class of 2026 and excited for everything ahead. Be part of the celebration, RSVP today at starfishinitiative.org/event-details/2026-annual-senior-celebration!"

"They started with potential, and now they’re leaving with purpose!

Our 2026 seniors are stepping into their next chapters of college, careers, and futures full of possibility. Join us as we celebrate the journey and everything still to come for the amazing young people."

Starfish Initiative is a youth mentoring program that connects students ages 13-18 with college-educated volunteer mentors to help them prepare for life after graduation. https://tinyurl.com/y52v4d3s

"Join us as we celebrate our 2026 graduating Starfish Scholars; their hard work, their growth, and everything that's got them here!

This isn’t your regular graduation party. It’s a celebration of what’s possible when students are supported, seen, and surrounded by community.

📅 May 21
📍 Ivy Tech
⏰ 6 PM

Come celebrate with us! RSVP now at starfishinitiative.org."

Our recent Career Fair brought together Starfish Scholars, mentors, and employer partners for a day full of connection, exploration, and opportunity. From first conversations to future career paths, this is what access looks like. Thank you to our partners who showed up to invest in what’s next for Indy's high school students!

"We’re excited to introduce the newest members of the Starfish Initiative Board of Directors:

⭐ Mike Commons, Chief Programs Officer, Indiana Legal Help
⭐ Sam Keedy, Senior Finance Manager, The Brookings Institution
⭐ Tyus Wilkerson, District Manager, Casey’s
⭐ Ryan Martin, Executive Editor at IndyStar

We’re grateful for their leadership and their unique expertise and a shared commitment to expanding opportunity for Starfish Scholars. Here's to what’s ahead! "

We’re proud to welcome Ryan Martin, Executive Editor at the IndyStar, to the Starfish Initiative Board of Directors. Ryan's perspective will help elevate the voices of our Scholars and strengthen how we share the impact of mentoring across Indianapolis.

We’re excited to welcome Sam Keedy, Senior Finance Manager at The Brookings Institution, to the Starfish Initiative Board of Directors. Sam's deep financial expertise and a data-driven lens that will help guide Starfish’s long-term sustainability and growth, ensuring we continue delivering results for Scholars and mentors.

Please join us in welcoming Mike Commons, Chief Programs Officer at Indiana Legal Help, to the Starfish Initiative Board of Directors. Mike’s expertise in program strategy will be an incredible asset as we continue expanding opportunities for first-generation students.

"Moments like our annual vision board session highlight the power of mentorship. When Starfish Scholars are encouraged to name their goals and envision their future, mentors help guide and and provide accountability to move those goals forward.

Mentorship is a meaningful way to invest in talent, equity, and our community’s future. Become a Starfish mentor, learn more: www.starfishinitiative.org/become-a-mentor."