For nearly four decades, the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis has shaped futures through its flagship Summer Academy, a six-week program that combines education, career exposure, and mentorship. What began as a small initiative to keep youth engaged during the summer has evolved into a model for talent development, helping students build skills, discover career pathways, and strengthen their connections to the community.
Today, the Summer Academy is more than just an opportunity for students to have fun in the summer. Licensed educators, dedicated mentors, and community partners create a learning environment where students avoid the summer slide while gaining the tools needed to succeed in school, careers, and life. Parents say the impact extends beyond academics: children return home tired from learning, laughing, and discovering new skills, eager to share their newfound knowledge with their families.
A Program with Roots and Legacy
Leaders like Everett Lewis, who has been with the Academy for more than 20 years and now sees his grandchildren enrolled, reflect the program’s long history. Year after year, his dedication to the program speaks to the value that he sees in Summer Academy as a foundation for preparing young people for success in life.
Erik Brown, one of the key leaders of the Summer Academy, first chose to get involved in 2016 and was drawn to its mission of uplifting youth who often lack access to opportunities:
“It was an opportunity to do my part—helping youth, especially youth that look like me and my kids, who sometimes aren’t a priority in their communities,” Brown says.
From organizing transportation to shaping curriculum and coordinating meals, Brown now helps to ensure that the Academy runs smoothly each year. But the reward, he notes, comes in the simple moments: students greeting him with “Hi, Mr. Brown!” and parents expressing gratitude for the program’s impact.
Education Meets Workforce Exposure
Unlike traditional summer programs, the Summer Academy is designed with intentional talent development in mind. Students learn math, history, and literacy through an engaging curriculum, while also exploring broader opportunities, such as Spanish language, cultural enrichment, and career-focused field trips.
“The families are grateful not only because their kids are having fun, but because they’re learning,” Brown explains. “They come home singing multiplication songs or teaching their parents words in Spanish. That knowledge ripples through the family.”
For leaders like Marcus Hatcher, a local educator and former director, the Academy demonstrates how early exposure to leadership can shape future leaders. [Placeholder quote: “When kids see role models who look like them and gain real-world exposure, they begin to picture themselves in future careers. That’s how you build a pipeline of talent.”
Each year, the seventh and eighth grade students have the opportunity to experience a college tour. This past summer, for example, students and chaperones took a bus trip to Alabama A&M University, Tuskegee University, and the University of Alabama. Exposure to these college environments leads the students to start thinking even more seriously about college and the necessary academic preparation.
Parents, Mentors, and Community Shaping Futures
The Academy’s strength lies in the partnership between families, educators, and mentors. Keli Reese, current Manager of Programs, has been connected as a parent, leader, and advocate. [Placeholder quote: “This program doesn’t just keep kids busy—it gives them confidence, opens doors to new careers, and helps families feel supported year after year.”]
Accessible, Affordable, and Inclusive
Though people sometimes think that The 100’s programs are aimed at males only, the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis’ Summer Academy, like four of The 100’s other programs, welcomes boys and girls from Central Indiana families with a range of backgrounds and experiences. . Many families return annually, and new families are eager to secure spots when registration opens. In 2024, Summer Academy added over 40 new spots for students to try to accommodate the popularity of the program.
At a total cost of $300 for six weeks of full-day programming, the Academy is one of the most affordable talent development opportunities in the region. Its value reflects a core belief: career readiness, mentorship, and workforce exposure should be accessible to every child, not just a select few. The 100 works annually to provide scholarship opportunities for families needing financial assistance to attend.
Looking Ahead: Building Indiana’s Next Generation of Talent
With a four-decade history of impact, Summer Academy’s legacy is clear: a pipeline of young leaders, learners, and future professionals who have been touched by its mission. Generations of families now share the experience—parents who once attended are now sending their children to continue the tradition.
For Brown, the impact is best understood when families see it firsthand:
“When you meet the people, see the classrooms, and watch the students, you’ll understand what makes Summer Academy special. It’s not just a program. It’s a community.”
The Summer Academy is more than summer enrichment—it is a proven model for workforce exposure, community investment, and talent development that prepares Indianapolis youth to thrive in the future economy.
Learn more about the Summer Academy before registration opens for the next class in March 2026!