IP will use the $10,000 grant from the Miles Foundation to automate its existing scholarship database, which will allow for a streamlined approach to its selection process. The organization will use the funds from the Ryan Foundation and Texas Capital Bank to support its existing programs, including its Scholarship Initiative, Maven’s Milestones Program and Sik’lik Program.

The organization’s Scholarship Initiative awards $2,000 scholarships to graduating seniors. Since 2009, IP has awarded 50 scholarships to local students, totaling $87,500. The Maven’s Milestones program is an incentive-based reading achievement program that supports literacy for more than 1,700 students at five elementary schools within the Fort Worth ISD.  The Sik’lik program is an annual youth poetry slam and writing workshop that provides middle and high school students a forum to express their creativity and enhance their writing and presentation skills.

Founded by Ellison Miles in 1997, the Miles Foundation helps foster a thriving community through innovative investments in education, economic opportunity and leadership development.

The Ryan Foundation was founded by Helen McKee Ryan and her son, John P. Ryan in 1983. Helen Ryan was the widow of Thomas M. Ryan, a prominent businessman in Fort Worth. The mission of the foundation is to support a wide variety of public charities in the State of Texas, with an emphasis on Tarrant County and Fort Worth in the areas of health care, human and social services, education, children services, and the arts.

Texas Capital Bank is a commercial bank that delivers highly personalized financial services to businesses and entrepreneurs. Launched in December 1998, Texas Capital Bank has grown from a small, private company into one of the largest independent banks in Texas. Headquartered in Dallas, the bank has full-service locations in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio.