IHSAA ACHIEVE FOUNDATION

Overview
The IHSAA ACHIEVE FOUNDATION is a nonprofit organization established to support and promote education-based athletics across Indiana. Recognized by the Internal Revenue Service with an Employer Identification Number (EIN) of 201406019, the foundation was created to enhance the experience of student-athletes and advocate for the values of teamwork, leadership, and community service.

History
Founded in 2016, the IHSAA ACHIEVE FOUNDATION emerged from the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) with a mission to foster the positive impact of sports on youth development. The foundation aims to serve all 92 counties in Indiana, reinforcing the essential role of athletics in nurturing future leaders.

Mission and Vision
The foundation is dedicated to advancing educational opportunities through athletics, recognizing sports as a "second classroom" where students learn valuable life skills. It envisions a culture of education-based athletics that emphasizes character development alongside competitive success.

Programs and Initiatives
The IHSAA ACHIEVE FOUNDATION runs several initiatives designed to enrich the lives of high school student-athletes, including:

• Student Leadership Programs: The foundation provides grants to member schools to support the formation of Student Advisory Committees, allowing students to engage in leadership development and peer representation.

• Scholarship Opportunities: Annually, the foundation awards over $40,000 in scholarships to student-athletes who demonstrate excellence in academics, athletics, and community involvement. Notable scholarships include the Sparks Foundation Post-Secondary Scholarship, which emphasizes teamwork, leadership, and character.

• Impact Awards: The foundation hosts annual Impact Awards ceremonies to recognize the achievements of student-athletes both on and off the field. This event highlights the accomplishments of students who exemplify the foundation's values of leadership and community engagement.

• Officiating 101 Program: In response to a national shortage of high school officials, the foundation has developed the Officiating 101 program. This initiative provides training resources for students to develop officiating skills while fostering a new generation of sports officials.

Community Engagement
The IHSAA ACHIEVE FOUNDATION actively engages with local communities to promote and support educational initiatives through athletics. It encourages schools to participate in community service projects, cultivating a spirit of service among student-athletes.

Conclusion
The IHSAA ACHIEVE FOUNDATION plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indiana's youth by supporting education-based athletics. Through its various initiatives and programs, the foundation aims to empower student-athletes, enrich their educational experiences, and promote lifelong values centered around teamwork and community service.