Through Central Nine, a cooperative occupational school, students can pursue more specialized training in fields like HVAC and welding when they’ve already identified clear interests. BUILDING SPACES FOR INNOVATION Perry Township’s vision requires substantial financial backing, and the district has secured funding that positions it as a leader in career-focused education. In December 2025, the district received a $40 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the largest award given during Phase 3 of the Marion County K-12 Public Schools Initiative.This follows an earlier $7.8 million grant from the same foundation in Phase 2. The $40 million will fund four core priorities: closing the math achievement gap, expanding K-8 career exposure programs, cultivating teacher excellence, and constructing an entrepreneurship and innovation center.A significant portion supports building a new facility on the University of Indianapolis campus, where high school students will access resources typically reserved for college students. “We’ve received about an $8 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. to kick off this entrepreneurship pathway as well as provide district-wide professional development on project-based learning,” Dr. Spray says.“Through phase three, $28 million is dedicated to constructing an entrepreneurship and innovation centre on the University of Indianapolis campus, where our high school students learn alongside university professors and gain access to postsecondary opportunities.” The district is also building a career and technical education space at one of its high schools as phase three of its construction process. Dr. Spray emphasizes the importance of flexibility in these facilities. “We haven’t identified everything that’s going on in there. We’re still in the discussion phase of its development, but we understand that it needs to be a flexible 202 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02
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