BlaTina Programs

Experiential and aspirational career exposure program for Black and Latina girls aged 11 and up… because girls “have to see it to be it.”

Our Vision

For the last three years, the Aspire Higher Foundation (AHF) has brought career exposure programs to Black and Latina girls in Northwest Indianapolis under the leadership of Sharon Clark. With the support of Eli Lilly, we have partnered with educators, universities, non-profits, and businesses, introducing our BlaTinas to endless opportunities and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.

BlaTina Brainstorm

Our inaugural BlaTina program launched in June 2022 for middle school girls at Global Preparatory Academy. The girls learned about various topics including financial literacy, energy, and flight. While visiting local universities, including Marian University, Butler University, and IUPUI, the girls learned about STEM careers and college pathways. We also visited the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Infrastructure Energy Alternatives (IEA), Allegion, Republic Airways, and Lift Academy.

BlaTina Girls Run the Game

In June 2023, middle school girls from Global Preparatory Academy learned about career opportunities in sports while hearing from women and minorities in the industry. We visited the NCAA, Horizon League, Indianapolis Indians, Indianapolis Colts, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Indy Golf, Indy Eleven, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and more. We also spoke with guest speakers who hailed from across North America, including a sports psychologist, a graphic designer, a personal trainer, and a sports reporter.

BlaTina Design Development Pipeline

This architecture and design program launched at Liberty Grove Schools in August 2022 and wrapped up in February 2024. We partnered with RATIO and Next Great Architects to teach architecture fundamentals to 5th-and-6th-grade girls. We visited Business Furniture and ESL Spectrum to learn about furnishing and lighting spaces. We also met with employees at Skillman about construction.

BlaTina Varsity Posse

Our first BlaTina program for high school girls started in January 2024. This unique program pairs girls with career and personal development coaches who lead weekly sessions. The girls also learn about a vast array of innovation and technology careers. In May 2024, we traveled to San Francisco to visit major tech companies and colleges, including Gusto, Bloomberg, Santa Clara University, and Stanford University. We are launching our second Varsity Posse cohort for the 2024-2025 school year.