We are who we are today because of the people who shaped us. At The Shirley Louise Foundation, mentorship is a cornerstone of our commitment to youth development and community growth. Since 2017, over 200 elementary-aged students have been matched to members of the Indianapolis community through our We Grow grant initiative, in partnership with Marion County Community Services.

Financial health and security are two of the highest-requested 211 services in Marion County. The Shirley Louise Foundation is proud to offer a push-in financial literacy course for adolescents ages 12-19. Through their local high school, students are coached through an extensive curriculum designed to prepare them for the future and invest in their potential.

As a first-generation college student, Shirley Louise understood the challenges and struggles of navigating the college application and financing processes. Since 2019, with the development of our Foundation Scholarship Fund, the Shirley Louise Foundation has provided cohort-based support to first-time college attendees and distributed over $500,000 in grants and scholarships.

The Shirley Louise Foundation wholeheartedly recognizes the value of everyone’s unique skills and lived experiences. Through our Young Professionals program, applicants ages 30 years and younger receive 1-on-1 support and a connection to a mentor in their prospective career field. Young Professionals is highly selective and dedicates great care into the pairing process to ensure optimal outcomes for all our students.