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Starfish Initiative

  • Starfish Initiative
  • 6958 Hillsdale Court
  • Indianapolis, IN 46250
  • (317) 955-7912
  • https://www.starfishinitiative.org

Program Description

Starfish Initiative was established in 2003 with a vision to make a difference in the lives of marginalized youth, one student at a time. Today, Starfish Initiative continues to advance our mission: to inspire, encourage, and prepare academically-promising, high school students facing unearned adversity for college and career success, through our comprehensive Starfish Experience, a statistically proven four-year pathway to economic mobility for Indianapolis high school students.

We believe mentoring is the key to improving the educational attainment and future of today's youth. Using our unique one-on-one mentoring model, Starfish Initiative matches every student in our program with a college-educated, volunteer adult mentor. Supported by Starfish Match Specialists, the adult mentors help their scholars effectively prepare for personal and academic success.

Services Provided

  • Academic enrichment/tutoring/study skills
  • Arts and cultural
  • Career exploration and counseling/internships
  • College admissions guidance and counseling
  • College fairs/campus visits
  • College transition and retention support
  • Community service/service hours
  • Financial aid advising/FAFSA completion
  • Leadership development
  • Mentoring
  • Parent/family services
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Demographics

Race & Ethnicity

  • White: 12%
  • Asian or Pacific Islander: 4%
  • Hispanic/Latino: 36%
  • Other: 9%
  • African American: 39%

Education Level and
Number of Students

  • High School: 360
  • Middle School: 90
  • Elementary School: 0
  • Post-secondary: 250
  • Non-traditional: 0

Populations Served

  • Academically High-performing
  • Undocumented Students (10)

First-Generation

  • More than 75%

Representative
Colleges Attended
by Alumni

  • Ball State University (6)
  • Indiana University-Bloomington (17)
  • Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis (21)
  • Purdue University-Main Campus (8)
  • University of Indianapolis (7)

Matriculation & Completion

  • 4-yr College Matriculation: 98%
  • 4-yr College Graduation: 74%