The IBE Performing Arts Academy (PAA) offers dance, music production, videography/photography, and acting programs to middle and high school youth in Central Indiana, using the arts as a tool to connect passion, purpose, and academic achievement. Weekly classes are infused with Black history and academic support, designed to empower underrepresented youth and help them discover their greater potential. From hip hop choreography and professional studio recording to on-camera acting and media production, each program gives students hands-on, real-world experience in their chosen discipline.

The IBE Scholarship Fund has awarded over $5 million to deserving Indiana students since 1984, supporting those enrolled in 2-year or 4-year accredited institutions of higher education. Each year, between 40 and 50 students benefit from this financial support, helping them pursue their academic dreams and build a brighter future. Donations to the fund directly expand IBE’s ability to reach more scholars and deepen its commitment to the social and economic advancement of Indiana’s youth.

The IBE Education Conference is one of the nation’s largest annual education events, bringing together teachers, administrators, and education leaders for a day of learning, renewal, and connection. Through interactive workshops, expert speakers, and meaningful networking opportunities, this conference is rooted in IBE’s commitment to education, equity, and empowerment for all.

The Circle City Classic® Education Day & College Fair gives middle and high school students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect face-to-face with representatives from approximately 30 HBCUs and traditional colleges and universities, exploring admissions information, scholarships, campus programs, and student life. Held at Lucas Oil Stadium, the event uses the excitement of the iconic Circle City Classic® as a backdrop to draw thousands of students from Indiana and surrounding states.

College Matters is a free, parent-centered FAFSA and financial aid education initiative designed to help families navigate the postsecondary planning process with confidence. Held four times a year across Indianapolis, sessions cover everything from step-by-step FAFSA completion and understanding financial aid offers to scholarship searching and college selection support. Open to high school seniors and their families, the program meets people where they are, providing the tools, resources, and expert guidance needed to make college an achievable reality.

The IBX Youth Entrepreneur Series is a dynamic two-day program for middle and high school students that develops the skills, confidence, and entrepreneurial mindset needed to turn ideas into action. Through interactive workshops and hands-on activities, students explore the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, financial literacy, teamwork, and problem-solving — building a foundation for academic success, career readiness, and economic independence. Held at the Indiana Convention Center during Summer Celebration, this empowering experience is designed to help young people see themselves as the leaders, creators, and innovators they already have the potential to be.

The Youth Leadership Summit is a statewide two-day conference that brings together middle and high school students for an energizing experience centered on leadership development, STEM exploration, career pathways, and civic engagement. Through interactive workshops and sessions with professionals and mentors, students build the confidence, skills, and sense of purpose needed to become positive change-makers in their schools and communities. Held during Summer Celebration at the Indiana Convention Center, the Summit creates a supportive space where young people are seen, heard, and inspired to step fully into their potential.

The Circle City Classic® Coronation is a prestigious leadership and scholarship program that has celebrated high school senior women for their academic achievement, community service, and character since 1986. Unlike a traditional pageant, the program focuses entirely on recognizing each participant’s accomplishments, with workshops covering teamwork, communication, financial literacy, goal setting, and more over the course of ten weeks. Miss Circle City Classic® and her runners-up receive scholarships totaling $10,000, and past participants have gone on to attend some of the nation’s most prestigious colleges and universities, from Howard and Spelman to Princeton and Notre Dame.