Calvary Christian School Awarded Major Grant to launch “eagles steam”
EAGLES STEAM: A Five-Year Investment in Our Students’ Future
about the plan
Lilly Endowment funding will accelerate a five-year plan to elevate STEAM learning, support families, and prepare students for college, careers, and calling.
$6.7M
Total project budget
$5.36M
Total amount awarded through grant
2026-2030
Project window
K-12
Students served.
“
a statement from our school president
“We are deeply grateful for the generosity of Lilly Endowment Inc. and honored that Calvary Christian School has been awarded all three phases of this transformative grant. This investment will help shape the future of our students for years to come by strengthening academics, expanding STEAM opportunities, and creating new pathways for college, career, and calling. We thank God for His provision, and we anticipate all that EAGLES STEAM will make possible.”
—Rev. Joshua B. Carson, President of Calvary Christian School
What Is EAGLES STEAM?
EAGLES STEAM stands for Elevating Access to Growth, Learning, and Educational Success in STEAM. This is a school-wide initiative to integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math with strong academics, Christian formation, and real-world readiness.
Stronger academics and STEAM integration in every grade
New state-of-the-art learning spaces.
More dual-credit, career pathways, and real-world experiences.
More support for families through communication, resources, and transportation
What will this look like for CCS?
New spaces
1 new collaboration zone
5 new STEAM labs
INVESTMENT IN STAFF
Teacher, student and classroom technology improvements
Raises for all teachers
NEW HIRES
Technology Director
Director of Innovation
K-8th Interventionist
STEAM Lead
Part-time Bus Driver
transportation access
Purchase of a School Bus
Retrofitting Sheet Metal Building to be Bus Barn
new programming
STEAM supplies and opportunities
Translation and communication services
Afterschool tutoring and clubs
Project-based learning curriculum
Check out the plans for our new learning spaces below !
our journey
Calvary Christian School learned of this grant opportunity in summer 2024. With the support of our school board, we formed a grant committee and began the application process. The Lilly Endowment program included three phases, each offering increasingly significant funding. Over the following year, CCS applied for each phase as it opened, and as of December 2025, we are grateful to have been awarded all three. Learn more about each phase below.
phase 1
Planning and Vision
awarded october 2024
$50,000
Phase 1 provided funding for research, data collection, and strategic planning. During this phase, CCS conducted family and alumni surveys, analyzed student needs, visited model schools, and developed the framework for what would become the EAGLES STEAM initiative. This early investment allowed us to clearly identify gaps, set measurable goals, and establish a long-term vision for strengthening academics, student support, and postsecondary readiness.
phase 2
Early Implementation
awarded may 2025
$200,000
Phase 2 supplied resources to begin acting on the needs identified in Phase 1. CCS hired a full-time Student Success Advisor, launched comprehensive college and career readiness programming, and began establishing partnerships and tools, including Naviance, to support students’ postsecondary planning. Construction of the new Student Success Center also began during this phase, giving students a dedicated space for advising, tutoring, and planning for life after graduation.
phase 3
EAGLES STEAM Transformation
awarded december 2025
$5.3 million
Phase 3 represents the most substantial investment, allowing CCS to fully launch EAGLES STEAM; a five-year plan to elevate STEAM learning, expand pathways to college and careers, support families, and enhance learning environments across the entire school. This phase funds major facility improvements, new STEAM labs and MakerSpaces, expanded technology, transportation access, robust teacher training, increased dual-credit opportunities, and comprehensive supports for students and families.
Katy Collins, Principal
“These resources dramatically accelerate our ability to deliver on our God-given mission, allowing us to enhance learning, support our teachers, and expand opportunities for every student.”
what will phase 3 mean for our students?
Stronger Academics & STEAM
More rigorous and engaging math and science.
STEAM integrated across subjects (Bible, humanities, arts, business, etc.).
New high-school coursework aligned to Next Level Programs of Study and Indiana Honors Plus Seals (Enrollment, Employment, Enlistment & Service).
New Learning Spaces
Eagle Loft and Collaboration Zone
Fabrication Lab
Robotics and Engineering Lab
Coding and Design Lab
Audio and Video Lab
K-6 Makerspace
Real-World Readiness
Dual-credit partnerships
(e.g., Indiana University, Ivy Tech).
Career pathways in areas like engineering, robotics, digital media, business, and more.
Field trips, job-shadowing, internships, and work-based learning supported by a CCS bus.
support for Every Student
Intervention support K–8.
Better training for teachers in dyslexia, reading, math strategies, and English-language learning.
Accessible technology (SmartBoards, tablets, laptops) in classrooms.
timeline: 2026-2030
Year 1: Launch
Construction & renovation of STEAM spaces
Bus purchase & bus barn
Initial technology rollout (SmartBoards, devices)
Hiring new key roles and starting new PD
Years 2-3: Expansion
Pathways and dual-credit fully built out
Gardens, MakerSpaces, and A/V Studio in regular use
More family nights, student clubs, and field learning
Years 4-5: Deepening & Sustainability
More students graduating with Honors Plus Seals
Systems and salaries folded into CCS operating budget
Ongoing tech refresh plans and partnership growth
