STEM is more than science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM education changes the way students think and behave and helps them solve challenges. Students develop skills that allow them to be flexible, look for patterns, find connections, and evaluate information. Skills valued in any profession.
Through the following Indianapolis Youth Development programs and community partnerships, CLD offers STEM opportunities to central Indiana minority youth to enrich their academic experience so they may achieve career success which will allow them to flourish and enrich their communities.
In partnership with Bowen Engineering and Purdue University IDEAS Learning Community, CLD students experience hands-on learning about engineering concepts and complete a group project with Purdue engineering students and faculty. | Grades 10-12 | Established in 2015
CLD students interact closely with medical students and professionals at Eskenazi Health Services. Participants shadow trauma services staff, tour Eskenazi Hospital and gain an insider's perspective on the Indiana University School of Medicine. | Grades 10-12 | Established in 2002
CLD students learn about various careers and professions, including STEM, by meeting top African American professionals who share details of their education, work ethics, daily routine, personal challenges, and opportunities. | Grades 8-12 | Established in 1978
This six-week class provides CLD students with valuable insight, test-taking strategies, and practical training to improve math and verbal/written scores. | Grades 10-12 | Established in 1980
CLD students increase their knowledge about STEM-related fields by participating in STEM activities and learning about STEM resources, information and opportunities. | Grades 10-12 | Established in 2020
The College Prep Institute helps youth and parents research post-secondary education choices, arrange campus visits, and prepare strong admissions applications. | Grades 9-12 | Established in 2012
To improve academic preparation, The College Prep Institute offers study sessions and free tutoring in math and science in addition to foreign languages, social studies, reading, and language arts. | Grades 4-12 | Established in 2012
The College Prep Institute's licensed professional guidance counselors assist youth on their academic and career pathways. Counselors enhance learning and support academic success, career goal development, and social/emotional learning. | Grades 4-12 | Established in 2012
CLD students who have completed the Self-Discovery/Career Exploration Project, College Prep Program, and Emerging Scholars: Key to College Admissions Day are qualified to apply for a CLD College and University Partner Scholarship. In 2021, CLD awarded 21 scholarships, and 43% pursued STEM degrees; In 2022, CLD awarded 31 scholarships, and 52% pursued STEM degrees. | Grades: 12th-grade seniors | Established in 2012
IPS and IU Health designed this program for health sciences students at Crispus Attucks Medical Magnet High School as a workforce pathway to increase the presence of diversity within medical professions. In partnership, CLD designed a three-year programmatic plan to also give the students a leadership and professional development experience. This program leads to summer internships and career opportunities. | Grades 10-12 | Established in 2022
Cummins Inc., a global power technology leader, offers CLD students an opportunity to meet, interact, and network with Cummins executive leaders. Students learn about careers in engineering and explore paid internship opportunities. |
Grades 10-12 | Established in 2022
CLD students who have completed the Lilly Summit (see below) and are pursuing STEM degrees as first-year college students are invited to return to Lilly as summer interns. Lilly's internship program provides STEM students with a unique opportunity to work in a pharmaceutical company's Drug Discovery or Development area. Interns can diversify their skill set while contributing to cutting-edge research. | Grade - First-year college students
For CLD students entering their first and second year of college, this program provides minority students with professional development early in their college careers. It is a paid, eight-week summer program that consists of gaining real-world experience and insight into the pharmaceutical industry. | Grade – First-year college students | Established in 2018
This three-phase program introduces youth to STEM careers. Students explore career possibilities at Eli Lilly and Company through workshops, tours, and a networking event, and are introduced to possible internship opportunities. | Grades 10-12 |
Established in 2006
This two-phase initiative, presented in partnership with Purdue University's College of Agriculture and Cargill, allows students to engage in hands-on projects, learn more about careers in the agriculture industry, and tour Purdue's campus. | Grades 10-12 | Established in 2021
The Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI partners with CLD to provide students interested in engineering and technology an opportunity to participate in their week-long MEAP-ACE summer camp that exposes students to college-level education and experiences. MEAP stands for Minority Engineering Advancement Program, and ACE stands for Accelerated College Engagement. | Grades 10-12 | Established in 2021
Rose-Hulman partners with CLD, Starfish Initiative, GEO Academies Believe, and the Minority Engineering Program of Indianapolis (MEPI) to encourage college enrollment for historically underrepresented students demonstrating a strong aptitude toward science and math to pursue STEM degrees. CLD provides character-based programming and services to its students. | Grades 10-12 | Established in 2022
