IPS and Big Ten Partnership: A Comprehensive Overview

Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, August 15th 2025 at 21:48 GMT by WISH-TV
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Officials with Indianapolis Public Schools and the Big Ten Conference announced a new partnership on Friday morning.

Indianapolis Public Schools and Big Ten Conference Forge Multi-Year Partnership to Boost Education and Community Engagement

In a significant move aimed at bridging the worlds of education and collegiate athletics, Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) and the Big Ten Conference have officially announced a groundbreaking multi-year partnership. This collaboration, unveiled during a press event at the Indiana Convention Center, seeks to provide IPS students with enhanced access to educational resources, mentorship opportunities, and experiential learning tied to the excitement of Big Ten sports events. The partnership comes at a time when Indianapolis is set to host the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament, underscoring the city's growing role as a hub for major athletic competitions and its commitment to youth development.

At the heart of the agreement is a focus on empowering underserved students within the IPS district, which serves over 25,000 students across more than 60 schools in the Indianapolis area. The Big Ten, one of the nation's premier collegiate athletic conferences with 14 member universities including powerhouses like the University of Michigan, Ohio State University, and Purdue University, will leverage its platform to deliver targeted programs. These initiatives are designed not only to inspire academic achievement but also to foster skills in leadership, teamwork, and career readiness—qualities often highlighted in the competitive arena of college sports.

One of the flagship elements of the partnership is the provision of complimentary tickets to IPS students for the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament, scheduled to take place at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis from March 13-17, 2024. This access will allow hundreds of students to attend games, experience the thrill of live collegiate basketball, and engage with athletes and coaches. Beyond mere attendance, the program includes pre-event educational workshops where students can learn about the science behind sports, such as biomechanics, nutrition, and data analytics used in game strategies. These sessions aim to connect classroom learning with real-world applications, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, which are increasingly vital in today's job market.

IPS Superintendent Dr. Aleesia Johnson expressed enthusiasm about the partnership's potential impact during the announcement. "This collaboration with the Big Ten Conference represents a tremendous opportunity for our students to dream bigger and see pathways to success that extend far beyond the classroom," she stated. "By integrating the energy of college athletics with our educational mission, we're not just providing tickets to a game; we're opening doors to inspiration, mentorship, and lifelong learning." Johnson highlighted how the initiative aligns with IPS's strategic plan to enhance equity and access, especially for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds who might otherwise lack exposure to such high-profile events.

From the Big Ten's perspective, Commissioner Tony Petitti emphasized the conference's commitment to community investment. "Indianapolis has been an incredible host for our events, and this partnership allows us to give back in meaningful ways," Petitti said. "We're excited to work with IPS to create programs that build on the values of perseverance, discipline, and excellence that define Big Ten athletics. Our goal is to inspire the next generation of leaders, whether they pursue careers in sports, education, or beyond." The conference has a history of community outreach, including similar partnerships in other host cities, but this marks one of its most comprehensive efforts in the education sector.

The partnership extends beyond the basketball tournament, encompassing a series of year-round activities. For instance, Big Ten representatives will participate in IPS career fairs, offering insights into professions within the sports industry, such as sports management, broadcasting, and athletic training. Virtual mentorship programs will connect IPS high school students with Big Ten student-athletes, providing guidance on college applications, time management, and balancing academics with extracurriculars. Additionally, the collaboration includes curriculum development support, where Big Ten experts will contribute to IPS lesson plans that incorporate sports-themed modules to make subjects like math and physics more engaging.

Community leaders and local stakeholders have praised the initiative for its potential to strengthen ties between the city and its educational institutions. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, who attended the announcement, noted the economic and social benefits. "When the Big Ten comes to town, it brings excitement and opportunity," Hogsett remarked. "This partnership ensures that our young people are at the center of that energy, gaining skills and experiences that will serve them well into the future." The mayor's comments reflect broader efforts in Indianapolis to use major events like the Big Ten Tournament, the NCAA Final Four, and the Indianapolis 500 to drive community development and tourism.

The announcement also ties into the Big Ten's broader expansion and visibility. With recent additions like the University of Southern California and the University of California, Los Angeles set to join in 2024, the conference is positioning itself as a national leader not just in athletics but in social responsibility. For IPS, which has faced challenges such as funding constraints and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on student learning, this partnership offers a boost in resources without straining district budgets. All programs will be funded through Big Ten sponsorships and grants, ensuring sustainability over the multi-year term.

Educators within IPS are already planning how to integrate these opportunities into their schools. For example, at Arsenal Technical High School, teachers are developing projects where students analyze tournament statistics to learn about probability and data science. At Crispus Attucks High School, known for its historic basketball legacy, the partnership could revive interest in sports history while promoting modern career paths. Parents and students have reacted positively, with one IPS parent sharing, "My child loves basketball, and this could be the spark that motivates them to excel in school."

Looking ahead, the partnership sets a model for how athletic conferences can collaborate with public school systems to address educational inequities. As Indianapolis continues to host Big Ten events—potentially including football championships and women's tournaments in the future—this alliance could expand to include more schools and programs. The initiative underscores a growing trend in sports philanthropy, where organizations like the Big Ten recognize their role in fostering community growth.

In summary, the IPS-Big Ten partnership represents a fusion of athletic prowess and educational ambition, promising to enrich the lives of thousands of students. By providing access, inspiration, and practical learning experiences, it aims to create lasting impacts that extend well beyond the basketball court. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on how this collaboration unfolds, potentially serving as a blueprint for similar efforts nationwide. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full WISH-TV Article at:
[ https://www.wishtv.com/news/local-news/indianapolis-public-schools-and-big-ten-announce-partnership/ ]

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IPS and Big Ten Partnership: A Comprehensive Overview

Indianapolis Public Schools and Big Ten Conference Forge Multi-Year Partnership to Boost Education and Community Engagement