Indianapolis, IN – Indiana Math and Science Academy–Indianapolis Inc. has received a $10,816,219 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Marion County K-12 Public Schools Initiative. This is one of 34 large-scale implementation grants being awarded through phase 3 of the initiative, which is designed to help strengthen the academic achievement of students in Indianapolis and improve their prospects for success after high school.
With this grant, IMSA will implement a comprehensive, multi-year plan across its campuses, IMSA North and IMSA West, to enhance STEM education and expand academic and post-secondary opportunities for nearly 1,200 students. Key components of the initiative include:
IMSA’s Phase 3 plan focuses on strengthening student outcomes through four key strategies. First, the school will continue expanding City Connects in years 3–5 to support students’ holistic needs across academic, social-emotional, health, and family domains. Second, IMSA will deepen STEM integration by partnering with Five Star Technology Solutions to provide staff training and leadership coaching that enhance STEM instruction and post-secondary readiness. Third, the school will collaborate with Marian University to deliver literacy coaching and professional development that strengthen instructional practices and improve student outcomes. Finally, IMSA will enhance teacher retention through licensure support, ongoing professional development, and opportunities for educators to earn credentials necessary to teach college-level courses.
“This significant investment will accelerate the progress we are making at IMSA to ensure every student is prepared for college, careers, and life,” said Mustafa Arslan, Regional Superintendent. “Our families entrust us with their children’s education, and this grant will enable us to deliver on that promise with stronger systems, richer learning opportunities, and enhanced student supports. We are deeply grateful for Lilly Endowment’s support and the vote of confidence in the work happening at IMSA.”
Founded in 2007, Indiana Math and Science Academies currently operates two high-performing public charter schools, IMSA North (PreK–12) and IMSA West (PreK–8), serving diverse communities through a mission grounded in STEM, inquiry-based learning, and high academic expectations. The network will open IMSA Central in 2026, providing a third high-quality school option for Indianapolis families. IMSA schools are part of the award-winning Concept Schools network.
Indiana Math and Science Academies received a $510,543 implementation grant from Lilly Endowment in May 2025, through Phase 2 of the Marion County K-12 Public School Initiative.
Lilly Endowment is making large-scale implementation grants to private schools in Indianapolis through a separate, complementary initiative.
About Lilly Endowment
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education, and religion. The Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, and maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.
