Advancing What Works to Elevate Student Success

Inspire Success is a non-profit that helps educators, organizations, and communities create and sustain systems that elevate student success.

The Latest from Inspire Success

PRESENTER APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 10, 2026

Extended Deadline: Present at the 2026 Indiana Career Readiness Conference!

We have great news — the application deadline for conference presenters has been extended to April 10, 2026! If you’ve been thinking about sharing your expertise, this is your chance.

We invite PCC teachers, school counselors, career coaches, and work-based learning educators to apply to present at the Indiana Career Readiness Conference. Join us on July 23, 2026, at the Ivy Tech Conference Center & Culinary Institute in Indianapolis for a dynamic day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration dedicated to empowering students for career success.

As a thank-you for your contribution, all accepted presenters will receive a complimentary conference registration — a great opportunity to connect with fellow educators while showcasing the meaningful work you’re already doing in your community.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make an impact! Submit your presenter application before the April 10 deadline.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

The 2026 Indiana Career Readiness Conference is a dynamic, one-day professional learning experience designed for professionals delivering career instruction and guidance to Indiana students. Whether you are an Indiana Preparing for College & Careers (PCC) teacher, career coach, school counselor, or Work-Based Learning educator/coordinator, we will have something for you.

This conference will serve as your central hub for:

  • Timely updates on career-related legislation and requirements
  • Indiana’s new graduation requirements
  • High-quality state and national resources to strengthen classroom-to-career pathways
  • And practical tools to support meaningful postsecondary planning for every learner

 

Registration is open! Sponsor and presenter applications are open NOW! See the conference page for details. 

Student Social-Emotional Needs Top Counselor Concerns

A majority of Indiana school counselors believe the social-emotional needs of their students are higher this year than last year, according to results of a recent poll of Indiana school counselors. More than
84% of the 510 elementary, middle, and high school counselors responding to this year’s annual survey said they need more resources and training to help students deal with trauma and mental health related issues. Learn more about the survey and access the full report. 

We’re very pleased to announce that Aimee Portteus has been appointed as the new Executive Director of Inspire Success!

Aimee is a cherished part of our team, known for her incredible dedication to educators and students across Indiana. As we celebrate our 25th year, she will lead the charge in expanding our impact, including our vital programs for school counselors and career education.

Board Chair Carol Lincoln says Aimee’s ability to “connect vision to action” makes her a terrific choice!

Accelerate CTE provides self-paced, professional development for CTE teachers they can complete virtually on their schedule.

We have TWO new courses!

  • Special Education in CTE
  • Academic Integration in CTE: Literacy

 

For $179/year per school, Preparing for College & Careers teachers have unlimited access to lesson plans, professional development, a network of PCC teachers around the state, career contacts, the career fair map, and more!

Our Vision

All students are empowered for success.

Our Mission

Advancing what works to elevate student success.

Empowering Adults; Impacting Students

We work with teachers, school counselors, administrators, organizations, and communities to advance proven approaches that help schools address academic, social, emotional, and practical barriers to learning, support student well‑being, and strengthen every student’s readiness for success in postsecondary education and careers.

Continuous Improvement

  • Professional development
  • Data monitoring and analysis
  • Survey tools

Capacity Building

  • Coaching and advisement
  • Project management
  • Grant management

Strategic Planning

  • Project planning
  • Process improvement
  • Strategic planning

Who We Serve

Schools

  • School Counselors
  • CTE Programs
  • Student Services
  • School Improvement Teams

Business & Industry

  • Employers
  • Economic Development Groups
  • Chambers of Commerce
  • Industry Associations

Communities

  • Parents
  • Youth Serving Organizations
  • Community Organizations

Our Partners

At Inspire Success, we deeply value the many organizations and individuals whose work complements and strengthens our own. We are fortunate to collaborate with the following organizations—and we believe the impact we collectively make is worth celebrating.