Adelante Schools Secures Major Lilly Endowment Inc. Funding to Advance Instruction, Improve Learning Environments, and Fund Educator Advancement
Strengthening Academic Pathways Through Strategic Investment in Students and Staff
Adelante Schools Inc. has received a $14,400,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Marion County K-12 Public Schools Initiative. This is one of 34 large-scale implementation grants being awarded through phase 3 of the initiative, which is designed to help strengthen the academic achievement of students in Indianapolis and improve their prospects for success after high school.
With the grant, Emma Donnan Elementary and Middle School will launch a comprehensive, five-year initiative that strengthens academic programming, expands instructional capacity, and transforms key student-facing spaces to support rigorous learning. The project will deepen science and social studies instruction, build long-term systems for coaching and data use, and fund advanced degrees, licensure pathways, and job-aligned credentials for teachers and staff so they can further their education at no personal cost.
It will also modernize the school’s cafeteria, gymnasium, and arts and wellness spaces to remove long-standing barriers to student achievement and expand opportunities for performance, physical activity, and family engagement. Together, these efforts advance Adelante Schools’ mission to provide an unparalleled K–8 experience that prepares every scholar to thrive in Indiana’s high school pathways and pursue strong post-secondary options.
Leadership at Adelante Schools emphasized that this funding represents a major step forward for the community. Edward Rangel, CEO, stated, “This grant allows us to create the learning conditions our students deserve. By expanding rigorous instruction, improving key school spaces, and supporting our teachers as they further their education, we are building a stronger pathway to long-term student success.”
Speaking to how the grant advances the school’s mission, Jordan Habayeb, COO, explained, “Adelante Schools is laser-focused on ensuring that our students leave K through 8 ready to excel in Indiana’s innovative high school pathways. This funding will fuel the innovation needed to make that vision a reality.”
Adelante Schools received a $220,500 implementation grant from Lilly Endowment in June 2025 through phase 2 of the Marion County K-12 Public School Initiative.
About Lilly Endowment
Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, and maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.
About Adelante Schools
Adelante Schools is a K–8 public charter school and Indianapolis Public Schools Innovation School serving more than 450 scholars from seven zip codes across the southside of Indianapolis. With a focus on rigorous instruction, whole-child supports, and fresh, scratch-made meals, Adelante is redefining what families can expect from public education. The school is committed to delivering an exceptional scholar and family experience every day.
