Taft is pleased to announce the firm’s support of Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), combined with Taft partner Lacy Johnson and his wife Patricia’s recent scholarship gift, totals nearly $5 million.

Since 2011, Taft Indianapolis has contributed approximately $2 million to Ralph Waldo Emerson, Indianapolis Public School 58. Last month, the Lacy and Patricia Johnson Scholars Scholarship was announced for IPS students accepted to Indiana University (IU) Indianapolis through a $2.8 million gift by the Johnsons, both graduates of Arlington High School.

The scholarship will provide five IPS graduates each up to $5,000 annually and reflects the Johnson’s commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders and public servants. Representatives from IPS and IU Indianapolis discussed the impact of the scholarship during an interview on FOX59 on Jan. 10. View here.

With firm and employee donations through Shepherd Community Center, Taft supports an after-school program and additional learning opportunities to support academic achievement at School 58. Taft’s funding also supports the needs of the school’s families by providing compassionate care assistance. This support includes community outreach programs and training for the parents of School 58 students to support employment and help address the needs of the entire family to loosen the grip of generational poverty.

“Taft’s support at the elementary school level combined with the Johnson’s scholarship program for students to pursue higher education goals is reflective of our aligned values to make a meaningful impact in our community,” said Robert J. Hicks, Taft Chairman and Managing Partner.

“Patricia and I remain dedicated to providing educational opportunities to IPS students and are pleased to be part of a firm that shares our commitment to equity in education,” said Lacy Johnson.