MUNCIE, IN — Career Muncie, a community-driven initiative aimed at improving educational outcomes and economic mobility in Muncie, was awarded a $500,000 two-year grant Wednesday, June 11, to support the implementation of the new Freshman and Career Academies at Muncie Central High School.
The BlackRock Foundation announced the grant to the program meant 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 & Service by the end of their freshman year, according to a news release.
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 health care, technology and education. They’ll also have opportunities to earn valuable certifications in high-demand areas like construction and manufacturing.
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, according to the release.
“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 United States. In 2025 alone, BlackRock has provided more than $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 districtwide tools for tracking outcomes and engagement. The money will also secure essential classroom supplies, hands-on learning materials, and transportation assistance.
“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,” Chris Walker, principal of Muncie Central High School and Cradle to Career Muncie’s High School Graduation network leader, said in the release. “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.Since Cradle to Career Muncie began its 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, the release said. 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.