By Jenna Kastan—
MUNCIE, IN— The BlackRock Foundation has announced a $500,000 two-year grant to Cradle to Career Muncie, a community-driven initiative aimed at improving educational outcomes and economic mobility in Muncie, Indiana. The funding will support the implementation of the new Freshman and Career Academies at Muncie Central High School (MCHS).
The Freshman and Career Academies at Muncie Central High School are designed to put students on track to meet Indiana’s new diploma requirements, with the goal of completing 10 of the 42 required credits and selecting a “readiness seal” – enrollment, employment, or enlistment and service – by the end of their freshman year. Through the Career Academy, students will have access to career coaches, explore a range of career-focused pathways, and gain hands-on experience in fields such as healthcare, technology, and education. They’ll also have opportunities to earn valuable certifications in high-demand areas like construction, manufacturing, and healthcare, giving them a competitive edge in the workforce.
With the launch of the Freshman and Career Academies, Cradle to Career Muncie and Muncie Central High School aim to replicate the success of the Academies of Nashville. Founded in 2008 within Metro Nashville Public Schools, the model has helped boost graduation rates from 60% to 85% and has doubled both dual enrollment participation and industry-recognized credential attainment. By adopting this proven approach, Muncie Central High School is preparing students to pursue in-demand jobs and earn valuable credentials—putting thriving-wage careers and long-term economic mobility within reach for more Hoosiers.
“The BlackRock Foundation is committed to supporting programs that help people discover clear, achievable pathways to careers that provide secure financial futures,” said Claire Chamberlain, President of The BlackRock Foundation. “We recognize the potential of the next generation in Muncie and are proud to play a role in preparing them to participate in, and contribute to, the evolving and prosperous Hoosier economy.”
This grant is part of The BlackRock Foundation’s broader effort to expand economic security in communities across the US. In 2025 alone, BlackRock has provided over $10 million to support economic mobility for individuals living on low- to- moderate incomes through workforce development initiatives and skills training.
The new Academies will directly support 1,317 high school students over the next two years. The grant will fund career coaching provided by local nonprofit Project Leadership, as well as professional development for MCHS teachers, and will build district-wide tools for tracking outcomes and engagement. Funds will also secure essential classroom supplies, hands-on learning materials, and transportation assistance—ensuring that all students, regardless of income, are on track to graduate.
“Cradle to Career Muncie is committed to building systems that ensure every young person earns a high school diploma, completes a postsecondary credential with labor market value, and is ultimately engaged in full-time employment or continued training towards a family-sustaining career in an economically strong community,” said Chris Walker, Principal of Muncie Central High School and Cradle to Career Muncie’s High School Graduation network leader. “Cradle to Career Muncie is investing in the Academies model because we firmly believe that its key elements—intensive advising, teaming model, exposure to college and career pathways, and intentional postsecondary planning—will help us keep our promise to students and their families.”
The grant, made in partnership with George and Frances Ball Foundation, will be unveiled at the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance Cradle to Career Regional Forum, a gathering of philanthropy professionals, community partners, local policymakers, educational institutions, business leaders and community advocates, committed to improving economic opportunity for Hoosier families.
“We are grateful to The BlackRock Foundation for their partnership in bringing to life the Freshman and Career Academies at Muncie Central High School,” shared Tom Kinghorn, President and CEO of the George and Frances Ball Foundation.
“Our goals are perfectly aligned. As a national funder with a strong track record in supporting pathway development and workforce development initiatives across the country, The BlackRock Foundation’s investment lends credibility to our local efforts and amplifies the lasting impact of place-based investments in helping put more students on a path to economic success and mobility.”
Since Cradle to Career Muncie began their collaborative work, the high school graduation rate has already improved from 82% to 86%. With the new Freshman and Career Academies, the goal is to reach 95% by 2029. Additional goals include increasing the number of students completing freshman year on track to graduate, boosting the percentage of graduates with a clear postsecondary plan, and expanding participation in work-based learning opportunities.
About The BlackRock Foundation
Guided by BlackRock’s purpose to help more and more people experience financial well-being, The BlackRock Foundation focuses on increasing economic security for low- to moderate- income households by helping them earn, save and invest – earlier, more often and for their futures. With our partners, we support the building of a financial safety net to protect against shocks that widen disparities and make it easier to build wealth and support upward mobility.
About Cradle to Career Muncie
Cradle to Career Muncie is a place-based collective impact initiative focused on overcoming generational poverty through educational attainment. In partnership with more than 50 organizations and 200 individuals, Cradle to Career Muncie works to engage key stakeholders, design effective programs, and transform systems to improve community outcomes and close achievement gaps, from kindergarten readiness through family-sustaining wage employment. The initiative is backboned by George and Frances Ball Foundation, a family foundation committed to supporting education and community development in Muncie for nearly 90 years.
About Project Leadership
Project Leadership believes every youth has purpose, that human connections help youth discover that purpose and that these connections help youth navigate their journeys with knowledge and confidence. Project Leadership believes lifelong learning builds prosperous careers, lives and communities and equips East Central Indiana students with support systems and tiered programs that connect them to educations and careers.
About Muncie Community Schools
Serving the local community since 1855, Muncie Community Schools (MCS) educates more than 5,000 students at six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school while also managing several other educational facilities. Through its unique partnership with Ball State University, MCS strives to maximize each student’s potential so he or she can be a positive, productive member of society.
