Bridging Schools and Communities: Partnerships for a Thriving Culture

Attendees will gain actionable insights into developing mentorship programs, fostering career exploration opportunities, and integrating real-world learning experiences into the curriculum. Through case studies and proven strategies, participants will learn how to align partnerships with their school’s unique cultural needs, ensuring equity and sustainability. The session will also address how to measure the impact of these collaborations on both student success and overall school climate. By the end, attendees will leave equipped with the tools to create dynamic partnerships that inspire growth, transform school culture, and empower students to thrive in both academic and professional spaces.

Presented by:

Fred Yeakey, MAT 

Fred currently serves as Chief Partnership Officer of Providence Cristo Rey High School and leads the school’s unique Corporate Work Study program that connects high school students with meaningful corporate internships throughout Central Indiana. Fred has been with Providence Cristo Rey for 7 years and has led the school in diverse positions, such as Interim President, Vice Principal of Mission and Culture, and Dean of Students. Fred has a background in education/community building that spans two decades. He has served various roles, such as directing after-school and summer programming for the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis. He received his Master of Arts in Education from Marian University and his Bachelor of Arts from Kentucky State University in Public Administration. Fred serves as Principal and Founder of 2 Thirty- Eight Properties LLC, where he was selected as Emerging Real Estate Developer by The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA). Fred has partnered with Volunteers of America (Indiana and Ohio) to develop affordable housing specifically for women seeking refuge and support from substance abuse. This unique development allows mothers to heal with their children while also accessing the necessary support to obtain sobriety. Within this development, residents have access to a state of the art health clinic and an on-site preschool. He has delivered keynote speaker addresses and workshops at universities, school districts, conferences, and corporate events around the country. Fred has been featured nationally for his work with a Male Mentoring Initiative called “The Barbershop”, where he offers free haircuts to male students while grooming them outwardly and inwardly. Through a haircut, he establishes character development and empowerment with the focus on educating and retaining males to graduate and make an impact within the communities that they serve.