Matchbook Learning, Ameresco host groundbreaking ceremony for The Match

INDIANAPOLIS — Officials broke ground March 20 on The Match High School in Indianapolis.

The Match, authorized by Education One at Trine University, will serve grades 9-12 and will feature a state-of-the-art facility for vocational learning and early career exploration. The Match High School and Career Center will support an inclusive, technologically enhanced curriculum aligned with the goal of providing all students with a clear pathway to success.

Matchbook Learning and Ameresco, a clean technology integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, will start renovating the buildings for the upcoming school year.

In 2023, Matchbook Learning was selected, alongside 23 other organizations, for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Renew Americas Schools Grant for critical facility and energy improvement funding. The grant, available to more than 1,000 applicants, totals over $5.3M, and will be used to partially fund the development of The Match High School and Career Center.

“Matchbook Learning was founded to revitalize the nation’s underperforming schools and inspire every student to reach their full potential,” said Sajan George, Founder, Matchbook Learning Schools of Indiana, Inc. “Key to this undertaking is ensuring that students are served in sustainable facilities that provide students with a safe and inspiring environment for learning and collaboration.”

Matchbook Learning selected Ameresco to oversee all aspects of design, engineering and construction for The Match High School and Career Center. The $5.3 million grant will fund many energy improvements to The Match High School and Career Center buildings, including a new 165-KW solar PV and energy storage system (BESS), which will provide clean, renewable backup energy to power the school’s operations.

Additionally, both buildings will include new insulated TPO roofs, interior and exterior LED lighting and heat pump domestic hot water heaters.

“We are excited about the development of The Match High School and Career Center as we look ahead to welcoming our first cohort of students in the summer,” said Dr. Amy Swann, CEO, Matchbook Learning. “Providing students with a modern educational environment is a challenge top-of-mind for school leaders across the country, and we are invigorated by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Renew America’s Schools Grant to embark on this comprehensive school infrastructure development project support energy efficiency and sustainability.”

The Match High School and Career Center campus will comprise two buildings, with the main school located at 1401 Indiana Ave. and the career center stationed at 1141 W 16^th Street. The 16th Street building is expected to open its doors to students starting Aug. 1, 2024, for the 2024-25 school year.

The Indiana Avenue location is targeted to open for the second semester in January 2025. The Match Career Center will feature an in-depth vocational curriculum offering education in construction trades, welding, engineering and entrepreneurship.

To learn more about The Match High School, visit their website: https://matchbooklearningindy.org/index.php/the-match-from-matchbook/