Carmel Education Foundation invests $175,000 in student innovation, achievement & opportunities

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Carmel Education Foundation (CEF) recently celebrated student innovation, achievement, and opportunity through three signature programs that invested more than $175,000 in Carmel Clay students during the 2025-2026 school year.

Through the CEF Business Challenge presented by State Bank, Student-Led Grants sponsored by Duke Energy, and the Foundation’s scholarship program, students developed business concepts, launched projects to improve their schools, and received support to pursue future educational and career goals.

“The common thread across all three of these programs is that they start with a spark,” CEF CEO Jennifer Penix said. “Whether it’s a student entrepreneur developing a business concept, a student identifying a way to improve their school, or a graduate pursuing the next step in their education, our community continues to invest in young people and their potential. Those investments create opportunities that can have a lasting impact.”

The 2026 CEF Business Challenge, presented by State Bank, engaged Carmel High School students in developing and pitching original business concepts before a panel of local business leaders. This year’s competition awarded $3,000 in prize funding, with top honors going to Ronit Mengale for Veritas Legal Consulting. Benjamin Snyder and Grant Vannahmen earned second place for Precision Solutions, and Nora Wilson placed third for Dance Track.

CEF also recognized recipients of its Student Led Grants Program, sponsored by Duke Energy. This year, six student led projects received a total of $6,500 in funding, supporting ideas developed by 15 students working alongside seven educator mentors to enhance learning, engagement, and school culture across Carmel Clay Schools.

In addition, CEF awarded 111 scholarships totaling $170,000 to students pursuing college, trade, technical, and career pathways. Scholarship recipients were recognized for achievement, leadership, service, perseverance, character, and future potential.

Community members can view the full list of scholarship recipients and learn many of the stories behind the scholarships – and the generous donors who make them possible – at ccs.k12.in.us/foundation/scholarships.

As CEF looks ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, the organization is seeking additional business partners, sponsors, and donors to help expand opportunities for students and educators. Community support helps launch innovative classroom projects, fund student-led ideas, provide career readiness experiences, support student well-being, and create opportunities that prepare students for success beyond graduation.

To learn more about partnering with CEF or supporting opportunities for Carmel Clay students and educators, visit ccs.k12.in.us/foundation.