Martin University
OUR PLEDGE TO THE COMMUNITY
As Indiana’s only Predominantly Black Institution of higher education (PBI), we pledge to take meaningful action to help eradicate racial equity gaps and racial injustice in Central Indiana. Together, we must be intentional in our actions, thoughtful in our approaches, and resilient in our efforts to achieve more positive and equitable outcomes for African Americans. We pledge to address racial inequities and disparities in education, income, health, social mobility, and all other determinants that have resulted in marginalization, disadvantage, exclusion, and inequality for communities of color.
PLEDGE 1
Help Close Racial Equity Gaps in Employment, Income, and Wealth
Focus Area: Workplace, Prosperity, and Education
We will continue to intentionally focus on closing equity gaps in college attainment, unemployment, and poverty for African American, low-income, and adult students. We will transform our institution into an Urban Work College by partnering with employers and workforce development organizations so that our students are prepared for and achieve promising careers upon graduation.
PROGRESS
Reset and Re-emerge campaign is set to launch in January 2023 with a plan to be affordable, applicable, and accessible for all current and future students. Martin University is creating more appropriate ways for students, starting with Martin WORKS. Students can be positioned for higherpaying careers, the WORKS apprenticeship to all students and enhancing its Prior Learning Assessment initiative (PLA), which offers credit for life and work experience. Along with Martin University making education applicable, we are also dedicated to making education affordable. The heart of the Reset and Re-Emerge campaign is to make quality education affordable by reducing tuition by up to 45%. This will begin in January 2023.
As students began employment on September 6, where Martin WORKS has implemented a three-part cohort structure, Fall A, Summer, and Spring A. We have continued to implement student support, performance management, and coaching to help them be successful as they watch the program's continuous growth.
Student demographics:
Over the age of 25
Financially independent
Currently or previously employed (full and part-time)
Attending the university for professional/career development and advancement
Employer Partners include Eskenazi Health, Lilly, USA Track and Field, Circle City Broadcasting, First Financial Bank, Cook Medical, Indianapolis Zoo, Pedcor Companies, Allison Transmission, and Pacers Sports and Entertainment.
Program Partners include Ivy Tech Community College, Kroger, Paul Quinn College, Indiana Workforce Development, UNCF Career Pathways Initiative, Ascend Indiana, American Red Cross, Indiana Commission on Higher Education, and the Indiana Department of Correction.
PLEDGE 2
Help Create and Maintain Sustainable Racial Equity and Inclusion Practices
Focus Areas: Education
Through the Martin University Center for Racial Equity and Inclusion, we pledge to provide education, training, and resources to help businesses, organizations, and communities develop and implement sustainable racial equity and inclusion practices.
PROGRESS
To accomplish the stated goal listed above, the National Center for Racial Equity and Inclusion at Martin University has hosted the following education and training events for the at-large community:
The National Center for Racial Equity and Inclusion presents the 2nd Annual Community Access Fair!
Traditionally, Black and other minority communities have struggled with access to the traditional systems on the quality-of-life gamut, which is: education, employment, civic engagement (voting, law, safety, volunteering/mentoring), banking & finance, housing, criminal justice, public health & wellness, government agency, business development, and technology and we believe everyone has a right to equal opportunity. This event was created to establish partnerships, disrupt systemic barriers, and connect the community to resources and allies. This event also helped assist those who needed; food security, health screenings & flu shots for all ages, furthering education, job opportunities, free expungement assistance, government assistance, housing assistance, and free medical checkups (physical and mental).
PLEDGE 3
Serve as a “Communiversity” for Racial Equity
Focus Areas: Workplace, Health, Prosperity, Education, Criminal Justice
We will serve as a “Communiversity” for racial equity, creating and providing welcoming spaces and resources for education, discourse, and constructive activism. As a Communiversity, we will also advance racial equity and economic development by utilizing minority-owned firms as vendors, hiring a diverse and inclusive workforce, and supporting collaborative initiatives that promote racial equity and justice.
PROGRESS
Martin University has launched a Communiversity Committee co-chaired by board trustee Rev. Richard Hunter, alums, and former trustee, Ms. Tracy Boyd, to oversee community-wide events and activities designed to connect our institution to the needs of our community through education, discourse, and constructive activism. Martin University proudly announces a new corporate partnership with the Marion County Sheriff's Office through the Martin WORKS Apprenticeship program. Martin WORKS is Indiana’s only urban work college program. Martin students can earn and learn in this program, broadening their work experience to solidify a permanent position with an Employer Partner while completing their degree. This partnership is the first of its kind, offering reduced tuition to MCSO employees and specialized enrollment services. “The partnership provides an opportunity for the Sheriff's Office to enhance the benefits for their employees,” says Ezell Marrs III, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships. The benefits do not stop here; Martin University has additional perks in alignment with this new partnership.
Martin University works hard to stay up to date on all social media and the latest ways to communicate messages and stories effectively to our Communiversity. This year Martin University started not one but two podcasts! The MartinInsider Podcast is a series of episodes focused on Martin University of Indianapolis, Indiana highlights, upcoming university events, academic activities, and Communiversity efforts. This show airs monthly with a new guest discussing essential topics and upcoming events.
Let’s Talk Live with Martin U is our live podcast with guest hosts Auntia King, MPR, Digital Content Production Manager here at Martin University, and Tony Cunningham, MBA, Director of Career Development at Martin University. Let’s Talk Live with Martin U is a live podcast bringing much-needed community conversations. Let’s Talk with Martin U is an exciting, reverent, and educational podcast that digs deep into current topics, community involvement, and stories of the success of our alums that only Martin University can deliver. Let’s Talk Live with Martin U airs every Friday at Noon and can be watched through multiple social media platforms, with Facebook being the highest streaming ours.
Join us in the important work of creating racial equity in Central Indiana.
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