Awards

IU Indianapolis Spirit of Philanthropy Award - 2023

About Indianapolis Urban League

The Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative (IAAQLI) formed through a partnership with the Indianapolis Urban League, the National Urban League, and the African American Coalition of Indianapolis. In 2022, the IAAQLI gifted the IUPUI School of Education $400,000 to make measurable improvements in the daily lives of African Americans by preparing teachers to succeed in culturally diverse urban schools. Over three years, the grant will inspire, support, and attract future Marion County high school teachers of color through the Culturally Relevant Ethnic Studies Teaching (CREST) project. Designed by faculty in the School of Education and Africana Studies, the dual degree pathway allows students to complete two majors within four years. This accelerated interdisciplinary program will prepare and support teachers in urban schools with culturally relevant teaching competencies and a foundation in ethnic studies, which will lead to student engagement and academic success.

The Indianapolis Urban League was founded in the fall of 1965 with a mission to empower African Americans and disadvantaged individuals to achieve social and economic equality and improved quality of living through robust programs and services. It is spearheaded by the National Urban League, founded in 1910 and headquartered in New York City. The African American Coalition of Indianapolis is a non-partisan collaboration of African American civic, social, professional, service, and community organizations with a goal “to educate and engage African Americans in the local, state, and national political process.”