20+ Years of Impact

Starfish Initiative is founded with a simple belief that college access and mentorship can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Especially to promising, yet economically disadvantaged students.

Starfish celebrates its inaugural graduating class with 116 students. This milestone marks the moment when mentoring transforms into measurable, life-changing outcomes.

City leaders formally recognize Starfish for its impact on young people across Indianapolis. Melaine Thomas becomes the first Starfish scholar to return as a mentor, as 774 Scholars have now been served since 2003.

Under the leadership of Kimberly Bostic, Starfish pivots during COVID-19 to provide virtual mentoring, emergency support, and connection for scholars and mentors.

Starfish Initiative honored the memory of founder and mentor, Michael J. Feeney, by awarding two scholarships in his name. Additionally,  the expansion of our mentoring model to group mentoring grew our reach and impact.

Starfish officially launches and begins opening doors to college prep for students who had been left out before with it's fist class of 12 scholars. Programming is quickly expanded to include student from any Indy high school with the support of a mentor

Starfish becomes a United Way agency and earns a Better Business Bureau Ethics Award. The program expands its reach to more than 300 scholars while deepening its commitment to leadership development by launching Career Fair and Leadership Camp.

Reaching nearly 1,000 youth, Starfish celebrated 98% of scholars enrolled in college after graduation; and Calvin Goah becomes the first Starfish Scholar to attend and Ivy League school (Columbia University). 

Starfish welcomed Crystal Givens has President and CEO. Staff worked hard to safely return to in-person activities and supported families through employment pathways, as they continued to match scholars with dedicated mentors.

The next milestone depends on who joins us next! Consider raising your hand to make an impact in a young person'r life as a mentor.

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